Dating

Close relationships

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Dating is a form of courtship, and may include any social activity undertaken by, typically, two people with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as their partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse. The word refers to the act of meeting and engaging in some mutually agreed upon social activity. Traditional dating activities include entertainment or a meal.

In many cultural traditions, a date may be arranged by a third party, who may be a family member, acquaintance, or professional matchmaker. Recently internet dating has become popular.

Although dating etiquette has become more relaxed during the twentieth century, there are considerable differences between social and personal values. For example, when an activity costs money (for example, a meal), traditionally the man was expected to pay; but in recent times the practice of "going Dutch" (splitting the expenses) has become more common and more acceptable.

The average duration of courtship before proceeding to engagement or marriage varies considerably throughout the world. See Courtship#Duration

Systems for organizing dates

• Online dating: Instead of using a traditional matchmaker, online dating uses specifically targeted websites to meet new people.
• Speed dating: Where a group of people get together for several hours in public; one is given a set amount of time to sit and talk to a particular person before moving on to the next.
• Mobile dating/cell phone dating: Where text messages to and from a mobile/cell phone carrier are used to show interest in others on the system. Can be web-based or online dating as well depending on the company.
• Virtual dating: A combination of video game playing and dating, where users create avatars and spend time in virtual worlds in an attempt to meet other avatars with the purpose of meeting for potential dates.
• Singles events: Where a group of singles are brought together to take part in various events for the purposes of meeting new people. Events can include such things as parties, workshops and games.
• Blind date: Where the people involved have not met each other previously. The match could have been arranged by mutual friends, relatives or by a dating system.

See also

• Group dating
• Teen dating violence
• Missionary dating
• Age disparity in sexual relationships

References

• Sizer-Webb, Frances; Eleanor Noss DeBruyne; Linda Kelly DeBruyne (2000). Health: Making Life Choices. pp. 499-500. 
• Havelin, Kate (2000). Dating: What Is a Healthy Relationship?. Capstone Press.