What does dating mean?

Dating has changed dramatically over the years. Back in the day, dating was a courtship between a man and woman supervised by a parent or guardian, and the relationship led to marriage. Today, dating varies, from a hook-up to a monogamous relationship and everything in between. Each person has their definition of dating and their take on how it will apply to their life. Regardless of the definition, this makes dating complicated and confusing to most. 

DATING ORIGINS

At its purest, dating is meant to be the opportunity for two people to get to know each other to determine the suitability for a committed relationship. It is supposed to be a courtship like it was back in the day, in which the man shows the woman his interest, and he takes her out socially so they both can assess each other. The goal of dating is to find that special someone you have a connection with, build a relationship from that connection, and eventually start a life together until death does your part. All of this sounds old fashion; however, this recipe has worked for many years. 

DATING TODAY

In the 21st century, most people follow a new recipe that sometimes results in committed relationships and sexual hook-ups, serial dating, playing games, ghosting, heartbreak, and high breakup/divorce rates. This is not to say that relationships are perfect if the old recipe is followed. It is to say that dating has become about too many different things other than getting to know a person. In this century, the goal continues to be to find someone special for most, but the way to do this has become messy and confusing. 

RISK & REJECTION

There are other dating components; these are the parts that scare everyone and are the main reasons dating has become so messy and confusing. Dating is a considerable risk, meaning there is a chance you will be rejected or hurt by another person. Everyone hates rejection, and we avoid it at all costs. Rejection in love and relationships has been known to be the most painful. So, dating to have sex lessens the risk of rejection. Dating multiple people at a time or over a period of time reduces the pain of rejection. Dating with games or ghosting the person before they call the breakup/divorce lessens the fear of rejection. Risk and rejection will always be a part of dating, and that is very scary. If you ever expect to meet someone special, you have to date seriously and face the risk of rejection. You know what they say; It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.