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Joined: Jul 2004
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Perhaps this was discussed before - however I would like to bring it up again.
What is the best definition of dating? Dictionary.com says: An engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest.
Most other definitions include: "often romantic" and "socially". I feel there is a distinct difference in the two. Any thoughts?
FR
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. Challenges can be stepping stones or stumbling blocks. It’s just a matter of how you look at them. The purpose of life is to live it, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience
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Joined: Mar 2004
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FR~
Given my latest experience, I don't know how qualified I am to respond.
For me.....
My intent is social, a learning experience.
I am in-experienced in dating and learning in my 40's is a challenge.
I will say the 3 guys I have went out with are/were attractive, nice guys, and gentlemen.
I didn't have any romantic [giddy] type feelings before, during, or after these dates. For me, they were social and I was enjoying my time out with a member of the opposite sex.
I had no expectations of romance.
I guess I blow the last part of the definition of dating.
Karona
Divorced 12/17/2003
Formerly KEB1205 Reg 9/02
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Joined: Dec 2001
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The term "romantically" is key...
If you remove it, and reduce the "date" to purely a social activity, then it can be engaged in by ANY other person (Your Mom?). I don't think most people would refer to lunch with their mom as a date.
"Dating" occurs between people for whom therei s at least a minimal of sexual attraction...otherwise, it's not dating.
Now, how do we interpret this "romantic" intent? Some would say that dating is always with the intent of finding a lifelong mate. Others, that it is simply enjoying the company of the opposite sex (and all that implies). I'm somewhere between and think individual dates can range between the extremes.
For a long time to come, I would suppose that dating will mean simple enjoyment of female companionship for an evening or weekend. I won't be looking for a new long term relationship anytime soon.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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I don't think any actual sexual attraction is necessary, or else "blind dates" would be disqualified, since you would have no way of knowing beforehand whether there was any attraction or not.
I think intention has a lot to do with it. Or actually, not so much intention as an openness to romantic possibilities. You go into a "date" with certain "channels" open. You go into an "appointment" with other channels open.
Of course, it gets complicated when two people meet with different sets of channels open...
Profile: male in mid forties
History: deserted after 10+ years of marriage, and divorced; no communication since the summer of 2000
Status: new marriage October 2008
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For me dating is a social event, enjoying the company of the opposite sex (or same sex if one is so inclined) with the openness or desire to find something more. The click, chemistry, compatability, what have you.
I don't date my friends, male or female. So the hope for a spark is there when arranging a date.
Formerly nam
here since 07/31/03
coastal, CT
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