Merriam-Webster online has many definitions for the word date. This however, is the one I wish to discuss at great length:
an appointment to meet at a specified time; especially : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character
Since about age 14, I have been confused what a date was. In middle school I still thought it meant when a boy picked you up at your house, met your parents, and then took you somewhere in public. He usually paid. As soon as I got to high school and people started "talking" and "dating" I began to question my preconceived notions. Couples would say they were dating even though they never hung out one on one, and he never paid for dinner. And I would hang out with guy friends one on one at great length and we were definitely not dating. What was a date? How do you know when it is a date? Unfortunately as time has passed I still have absolutely no idea. Unless someone says, "This is a date" I can not be 100% sure of it. Here are just a few examples why.
Scenario 1: Go to movie with good friend, you each pay for your own ticket, but you kiss during the movie.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He insists you are "just friends.")
Scenario 2: Go to lunch with guy, he pays.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He's super southern and chivalrous).
Scenario 3: Consisting spend lots of one-on-one time with guy talking about family, past relationships, feelings, how much you appreciate the other person, etc.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He likes your friend/not over ex/can't talk to his bros/needs a counselor)
Scenario 4: Go out, dance, kiss.
Ruling: Sometimes a Date.
I also had a friend tell me it's a date when you think it is. My response was that if that is true, I have gone on a lot of dates without the other person knowing.
This is why I don't trust the label. He may flirt with you, want to spend time with you, and kiss you but it's not a date unless he says it is or you are meeting from Okcupid.
I went on a date once (maybe more without knowing it). He bought me dinner, brought me flowers, and said nice things. I was 100% sure when he said: "If this isn't a date, what is it?"
Ruling: Date.
In these situations, I believe words speak louder than actions. Which is why I make sure my words are always loud and clear. (foot in mouth)
an appointment to meet at a specified time; especially : a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character
Since about age 14, I have been confused what a date was. In middle school I still thought it meant when a boy picked you up at your house, met your parents, and then took you somewhere in public. He usually paid. As soon as I got to high school and people started "talking" and "dating" I began to question my preconceived notions. Couples would say they were dating even though they never hung out one on one, and he never paid for dinner. And I would hang out with guy friends one on one at great length and we were definitely not dating. What was a date? How do you know when it is a date? Unfortunately as time has passed I still have absolutely no idea. Unless someone says, "This is a date" I can not be 100% sure of it. Here are just a few examples why.
Scenario 1: Go to movie with good friend, you each pay for your own ticket, but you kiss during the movie.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He insists you are "just friends.")
Scenario 2: Go to lunch with guy, he pays.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He's super southern and chivalrous).
Scenario 3: Consisting spend lots of one-on-one time with guy talking about family, past relationships, feelings, how much you appreciate the other person, etc.
Ruling: Not a Date. (He likes your friend/not over ex/can't talk to his bros/needs a counselor)
Scenario 4: Go out, dance, kiss.
Ruling: Sometimes a Date.
I also had a friend tell me it's a date when you think it is. My response was that if that is true, I have gone on a lot of dates without the other person knowing.
This is why I don't trust the label. He may flirt with you, want to spend time with you, and kiss you but it's not a date unless he says it is or you are meeting from Okcupid.
I went on a date once (maybe more without knowing it). He bought me dinner, brought me flowers, and said nice things. I was 100% sure when he said: "If this isn't a date, what is it?"
Ruling: Date.
In these situations, I believe words speak louder than actions. Which is why I make sure my words are always loud and clear. (foot in mouth)
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