What is a Date?

A date is an activity or event which two people undertake in order to get to know each other better. Often, a date is arranged and planned in advance as an outing with the purpose of having an enjoyable time together. This can consist of anything from going out to dinner or the movies, to picnicking or going hiking. It is typically seen as a romantic activity, with two people engaging in activities that involve the exchange of physical affection, such as hand-holding or kissing.

The History of Dating

Dating has been around for centuries, although historically it was a more formal event than we see today. In Elizabethan England, courting was a complicated and formal affair which, in many cases, was arranged through a third party. A man would have to visit the lady in her home while accompanied by appropriate chaperones. This would be a strict and supervised meeting where the couple would be expected to strictly adhere to social norms and exchange only minimal physical contact.

The Modern Date

In the modern world, dating has taken on a much more casual approach. People are free to date whoever they choose, meet their date in public places, and exchange physical contact as they feel comfortable with. Through the use of technology, couples are now able to arrange dates online, through applications like Tinder and using online services like Skype. Increased access to dating services has meant that romance has become much more accessible and dating has become much more democratic.

All in all, dates allow two people to get to know each other better in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Whether you choose to follow traditional or modern customs, or make up your own rules, dates can be a great way to explore the possibility of a relationship.