dating
DAYT-ihng
Dating (noun) means going out with someone to see if you might be romantically compatible, before committing to a relationship. Example: “They met through a dating app and have been together two years now.”
noun
1
Going out with someone to see if you might be romantically compatible, before committing to a relationship.
"They met through a dating app and have been together two years now."
"Dating in your thirties feels different from dating in college."
"Online dating can be fun, but it takes patience to find someone."
2
Working out how old something is, such as a fossil or an old document.
"Carbon dating showed the bones were over ten thousand years old."
"The dating of the old manuscript surprised the experts at the library."
"Tree rings help scientists with the dating of ancient wooden beams."
How to use dating
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither romantic dating (seeing someone) or scientific dating (figuring out an object's age).
Common pairings
casual dating
radiocarbon dating
online dating
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Word forms
- Plural
- datings
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They met through a _____ app and have been together two years now.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for dating
See all rhymes for dating →Frequently asked questions
What does “dating” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “dating”?
“Dating” is pronounced DAYT-ihng (/ˈdeɪt.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “dating” in a sentence?
Here is “dating” used in a sentence: “They met through a dating app and have been together two years now.”
What part of speech is “dating”?
“Dating” is a noun.
Is “dating” a common word?
“Dating” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “dating” have?
“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.
What is the difference between dating and being in 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.
What are the types of dating?
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.
Does dating mean you are exclusive?
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.
What is an example of dating?
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.
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