Dating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dating
[ˈdeɪtɪŋ ]
Definitions
relationship
Dating is the activity of going out regularly with someone you are romantically interested in. It can involve various activities such as dinner dates, movie nights, and walks in the park. Dating is a way for people to get to know each other better and explore the potential for a committed relationship.
Synonyms
courting, romancing, seeing someone.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dating |
Used to describe the activity of going out with someone regularly to develop a romantic relationship. Common and neutral term.
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| courting |
An old-fashioned term often used to describe a formal process of seeking someone's favor or love, sometimes with the intent of marriage.
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| romancing |
Typically used when emphasizing the romantic gestures and actions aimed at wooing someone. Can have a dreamy or idealistic connotation.
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| seeing someone |
Used informally to indicate that someone is regularly spending time with a person in a romantic context. Neutral and casual term.
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Examples of usage
- She met him through online dating.
- They have been dating for six months now.
- He asked her out on a date.
- Dating can be both exciting and nerve-wracking.
- They decided to take a break from dating to focus on themselves.
carbon
Dating in the context of carbon dating refers to determining the age of an object or material based on the decay of radioactive carbon isotopes. It is a method used by archaeologists, geologists, and other scientists to estimate the age of ancient artifacts and fossils.
Synonyms
carbon-14 dating.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| dating |
Used in the context of identifying or recording the time something was created or existed. This context is more general and can apply to documents, historical events, or artifacts.
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| carbon-14 dating |
Used in scientific contexts to refer to a method for determining the age of an ancient object containing organic material by using the properties of radiocarbon (carbon-14).
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Examples of usage
- The carbon dating of the fossil revealed it to be thousands of years old.
- Scientists used carbon dating to determine the age of the ancient ruins.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The practice began in the early 20th century as a way for young people to meet in a more structured setting, as opposed to informal social gatherings.
- Dating became more popular in the 1920s and 1930s, with the rise of the automobile allowing young couples to go out alone.
- The term 'dating' itself started to appear in American English in the 1920s and was originally a reference to scheduled meetings.
Cultural Differences
- In some cultures, dating is seen as a way to find a marriage partner, while in others it is more casual and about enjoying companionship.
- The concept of 'courtship' is still practiced in certain societies, where dating involves families' involvement and formal processes.
- In Japan, 'gokon' is a social gathering aimed at finding a romantic partner, showing various cultural approaches to dating.
Technology
- The emergence of online dating platforms in the late 1990s changed how people meet, leading to the modern digital dating scene.
- Dating apps utilize algorithms and user preferences to connect individuals, revolutionizing traditional dating methods.
- Video dating gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating how technology adapts to social needs.
Psychology
- Research suggests that physical attraction may play a smaller role in long-term relationship satisfaction than emotional compatibility.
- The 'halo effect' in dating implies that people often attribute positive qualities to someone based solely on physical attractiveness.
- Dating can significantly impact self-esteem, as individuals often assess their worth based on social interactions and relationships.
Literature and Media
- Dating has been a central theme in numerous novels and films, often illustrating the complexities of love and relationships.
- Classic works like Jane Austen's novels portray early forms of dating, emphasizing the social dynamics of courtship.
- Modern media often depicts dating as both a source of joy and stress, capturing the ups and downs of romantic exploration.
Origin of 'dating'
The word 'dating' originated from the Middle English word 'date,' which means 'time.' The modern concept of dating emerged in the early 20th century, shifting from traditional courtship rituals to a more casual and individual-focused approach to finding romantic partners. Dating has since become a common practice in many cultures around the world, facilitated by technological advancements like online dating platforms.
See also: antedated, backdate, dated, outdate, outdated, predate.