Dating vs. Courting

[nebula]

Backdrop:

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Before we begin, based on what was expressed previously, I believe we need to understand what each other thinks when we hear the words "dating" and "courting".

My understanding of "dating" is what I observed throughout my life in school and beyond. A guy and a girl "like" each other, and start "going out" together, or have "a steady relationship." This means they call each other "boyfriend and girlfriend," they go on dates, they are physically affectionate with each other (cuddling, kissing, most likely engaging in sexual activity), etc., but there is not commitment to marriage. While one or both may hope the relationship leads to marriage, in essence both are actually exploring each other and determining along the way if this person is "the one." Often times, the two just met each other when they started dating, so they really don't know the other person. Yet they give away their hearts and bodies to each other without knowing what they are getting into, or if there will be a return.

I can't say that I know what "courting" is, other than the relationship is developed with the intention of working towards marriage.

Thus I see "dating" as designed to gratify physical and emotional pleasures while hoping for a lasting love together, while I see "courting" as two people building a foundation together (while the gratification of pleasures can still be there, it isn't the main focus, and can even be sacrificed for the long-term gain).

[The_Patriot21]

by the modern definition, sex is often included, but it isnt required for dating.

Courting, does involve a lot more commitment. Its not just seeing if they like each other-its going together with the ultimate goal of getting married. Theres a lot more commitment-its basically, they want to marry each other, they just havent bought the ring and set the date yet, its spending time with each other, not to see if they like each other-because they already do-but to work out a lot of the relationship kinks, or at least all that they can-before they get more serious. Me and my wife courted, and going back, I wouldnt have it any other way.

[Guest]

To Me Dating And Courting Are The Same Thing, Just Spelled Different

And IMO, It Never Stops

[gdemoss]

Dating - determining when the Lord will return.

Courting - rounding up the defendants upon his arrival for judgment.

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Dating - that which precedes marriage

Courting - that which precedes divorce.

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On a serious note, I agree with Joe.

[CaliforniaJosiah]

Words can confuse - especially since in PRACTICE, they change meanings....

IMO...;.

Dating - a causual "getting to know" each other. It may or may not be exclusive. Traditionally, it didn't involve sex but heaven knows, it may now - within an hour of the start of the first "date."

Courting - an old fashioned word for "exploring the appropriateness of marriage together." Such like look like dating, but it's clearly focused on whether they should get married.

.

[Tinky]

Doesn't courting involve the supervision of the parents?

[The_Patriot21]

depends how old school you go tinkey. There was a time where you had to have a chaperone any time there was a male and female together. Dating, courting or otherwise.

[Tinky]

I always thought courting was more of a "Southern" thing.

[gdemoss]

Websters 1828 does not recognize 'dating' as is today's norm. They only recognize 'courting'

[GoldenEagle]

Backdrop:

~~

Before we begin, based on what was expressed previously, I believe we need to understand what each other thinks when we hear the words "dating" and "courting".

My understanding of "dating" is what I observed throughout my life in school and beyond. A guy and a girl "like" each other, and start "going out" together, or have "a steady relationship." This means they call each other "boyfriend and girlfriend," they go on dates, they are physically affectionate with each other (cuddling, kissing, most likely engaging in sexual activity), etc., but there is not commitment to marriage. While one or both may hope the relationship leads to marriage, in essence both are actually exploring each other and determining along the way if this person is "the one." Often times, the two just met each other when they started dating, so they really don't know the other person. Yet they give away their hearts and bodies to each other without knowing what they are getting into, or if there will be a return.

I can't say that I know what "courting" is, other than the relationship is developed with the intention of working towards marriage.

Thus I see "dating" as designed to gratify physical and emotional pleasures while hoping for a lasting love together, while I see "courting" as two people building a foundation together (while the gratification of pleasures can still be there, it isn't the main focus, and can even be sacrificed for the long-term gain).

First as to definitions...

Date - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dating?s=t

noun

6. an appointment for a particular time: They have a date with their accountant at ten o'clock.

7. a social appointment, engagement, or occasion arranged beforehand with another person: to go out on a date on Saturday night.

8. a person with whom one has such a social appointment or engagement: Can I bring a date to the party?

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14.

to go out socially on dates: She dated a lot during high school.

Courtship http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/courtship?s=t

noun

1. the wooing of one person by another.

2. the period during which such wooing takes place.

3. solicitation of favors, applause, etc.

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5. Obsolete . courtly behavior; courtesy; gallantry.