Dating
Hear this word Dating
Also known as: Going out, seeing someone, getting to know someone
Image description: Two people share a meal during a date with each other
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What Is It?
Spending time with another person to explore if there is any attraction towards each other. Usually when dating, people want to learn more about each other through conversation and by doing fun activities together. Sometimes people decide to create a romantic or sexual relationship together.
People need to agree or consent to going on a date. It’s important to accept if the other person says “no” to going on a date.
An Example
Tara is 19 and just started dating. Tara has gone on dates with different people, but Tara hasn’t been in a serious romantic relationship yet. Tara enjoys dressing up and going out with new people. Tara does things to be safe before going on dates, especially with people she met online. She tells her friends where she is going and only meets people in public spaces. Tara is excited to meet someone for a romantic relationship soon!
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Sometimes people think going on dates is just for when you’re getting to know someone new. That isn’t true! Often people in committed romantic relationships also enjoy going on dates with their partners for the fun, excitement, and connection it creates in their relationship!
- Doing activities that you enjoy can be a great way to meet people – some of these people might be just friends, but you might also meet people to date.
- Many people use websites or dating apps to meet new people to date. There are many ways to make online dating safer:
- Tips for Online Dating:
- Communicate with each other using video chat before meeting in person.
- Meet new people in public places.
- Tell your friends and family when and where you are going before going out on a date.
- Don’t share specific personal information online or with a new person that you met online. This includes your home or work address, birthday, or other personal information.
- Do not post naked or “sexy” photos of yourself online.
- Check if any of your friends or family members also know this person. This can help to confirm the identity of the person.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
Would you like to date anyone right now? Why or why not?
There are many different reasons why a person may or may not want to date. Some people choose to date to meet new people, enjoy fun activities or to find someone for a relationship.
Some people choose not to date because they want to focus on their current relationship, want to focus on other goals or interests, or they just haven’t found someone they want to date yet.
Where would you like to meet people to date?
Some people meet people through friends and family. Some people meet people by doing activities that they enjoy or by attending social events. Some people meet people to date by using online websites or apps. There are many ways to meet new people to date!
What would you do to be safer before, during, and after a date?
- Have a video call with your date before meeting in-person.
- Plan to have your in-person date in a public place.
- Share the day, time, and location of your date with friends or family.
- During the date, text or call a friend to share how the date is going and how you’re feeling.
- After the date, thank the person for the date. If you want to see them again, ask if they would like to go on another date. If they do not want another date or if you do not want to go on another date, that is okay too.
