dating

The word “dating” means going out with someone to see if you might be romantically compatible, before committing to a relationship. In plain terms, either romantic dating (seeing someone) or scientific dating (figuring out an object's age).

“Dating” is pronounced DAYT-ihng (/ˈdeɪt.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “dating” used in a sentence: “They met through a dating app and have been together two years now.”

“Dating” is a noun.

“Dating” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Dating” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: going out with someone to see if you might be romantically compatible, before committing to a relationship.

Dating is the early, exploratory stage of getting to know someone romantically to see if you are compatible. A relationship is the committed partnership that may follow, usually exclusive and more serious. In short, dating is the testing phase, while a relationship is the commitment it can lead to.

Common forms include casual dating, where people see each other without commitment; exclusive dating, where two people date only each other; and online dating through apps and websites. Others include speed dating, where you meet many people briefly, and blind dating, where the pair have never met before.

Not automatically. Dating simply means going out with someone to explore romantic potential, and people may date more than one person at first. Exclusivity usually begins only once both agree to see each other alone. Many couples have a specific conversation to move from casual dating to an exclusive relationship.

Meeting for coffee, going out to dinner, seeing a film together, or taking a walk with someone you are romantically interested in are all examples of dating. The purpose is to spend time together, get to know each other, and judge whether a deeper relationship might work.