Dating is a social activity which involves two or more people generally assessing each others suitability for a potential relationship. Dating can also be enjoyed as part of an already active relationship. The word Dating actually comes from the arranging of a time and date of meeting.
Dates, in many traditional cultures, are arranged by third-parties (such as a family member or a close friend) or dedicated dating agencies. In modern western culture, however, this process has been relaxed and its up to the partners to arrange something. Dating usually involves money, traditionally it was up to the male partner to pay for the dates, however it is becoming more common for each party to share the costs. This is known as Going Dutch. Dates can involve going the movies or for a meal.
There are many different types of dating, such as:
A standard date; this involves two people
A double date; this is where two couples go on a date at the same time and location
Group date; where any number of couples can enjoy a date
Blind date; this is where the participants have never met personally before. These are arranged by a third party or a dedicated...