What's the Difference Between Going on Dates and Dating?

When it comes to relationships there is often confusion between going on dates vs dating. Learn more about what makes them different.

What's the Difference Between Going on Dates and Dating?

When it comes to relationships, there is often confusion between the terms 'date' and 'dating'. While they are both related to spending time with someone you are interested in, there are some subtle differences between the two. Grammatically, they are the same thing, but in terms of social conventions, there are some distinct differences. In the past, a guy would ask a girl out on a first date.

He would pick her up at 7pm and she would be dressed up for the occasion. Nowadays, a first date is more about getting to know each other and seeing if there is potential for a second date. So what is the difference between a date and hanging out? Writer Kira Cochrane advises daters to go out and meet people, while noting that marriage is often delayed until people reach their thirties. In 1899, Ade used the term 'agenda' to describe a type of registration system that a cashier used to record appointments with suitors until she married.

There are many ways to find potential dates, such as blind dates, classified ads, dating websites, hobbies, vacations, office romance, social media, speed dating, or simply talking in public places. For example, the dating game show The Dating Game was first broadcast in 1965. More modern programs of this genre include The Manhattan Dating Project (an American film about dating in New York City), Blind Date, The 5th Wheel and The Bachelor and its spin-off series. Muslims living in the United States can choose between using traditional Islamic methods or going out the American way; Muslims who choose to stick to the Islamic tradition can only marry another Muslim. A recent study revealed that 50% of Australians agreed that it was acceptable to ask someone out on a date via text message, but not acceptable to break up with them in this way.

The oldest and most successful computer dating business was Dateline which was started in the United Kingdom in 1965 by John Patterson. Most people try sogaeting (going out on a blind date) for the first time to get into a relationship. If the person's outfit does not match what is behind the door, then the door closes and the game continues. In the past, 'date' and 'dating' meant the same thing; however, now when someone goes on a date it usually means they are just hanging out.

Etiquette books such as Courtship and Marriage Etiquette of 1852 detail socially appropriate ways to meet lovers, date, organize a wedding and honeymoon and avoid arguments. Quotes can also cover activities that fall outside of participating in social events; users create avatars and spend time in virtual worlds in an attempt to meet other avatars for potential dates. Therefore, as there are no labels it becomes more common for people to go on dates without actually dating each other. So while 'hanging out' can be understood as a more casual version of dating, there is still a difference between going on dates and dating.

Kathy Alliance
Kathy Alliance

Hardcore zombie expert. Proud burrito aficionado. Proud pizza nerd. Evil bacon fan. Extreme web lover.

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