'Dating' is any social activity undertaken by, typically, two people with the
aim of each assessing the other's suitability as their partner in an intimate
relationship or as a spouse. The word refers to the act of meeting and engaging
in some mutually agreed upon social activity. Traditional dating activities
include entertainment or a meal. In many cultural traditions, a 'date' may be arranged by a third party, who may
be a family member, acquaintance, or professional matchmaker. Recently
'internet dating' has become popular. Although dating etiquette in Western culture has become more relaxed during the
twentieth century, there are considerable differences between social and
personal values. For example, when an activity costs money (for example, a
meal), traditionally the man was expected to pay; but in recent times the
practice of "going Dutch" (splitting the expenses) has become more common and
more acceptable.
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