Dating is any social activity performed as a pair or even a group 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 agreeing on a time and "date" when a pair can meet and engage in some social activity.

In many cultural traditions, dates are arranged by a third party, who may be a family member, an acquaintance, or a dedicated matchmaker. Recently matchmaking services have become popular. Although dating rules in Western popular culture have become more relaxed during the 20th century, there is considerable variation between individuals' values. For example, when the activity costs money, it has traditionally been the man's role to pay; in recent times the practice of "going Dutch" (splitting the expenses) has emerged. Traditional dating activities include sharing entertainment or a meal. In general, a person may date many different partners during the same time period in order to have the best chance of finding their most suitable available mate.

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Author's Bio: 

This definition is part of a series that covers the topic of Dating. The Official Guide to Dating is Dr. Diana Kirschner. Dr. Diana Kirschner is a psychologist and love expert who has developed a unique approach that has helped thousands of single women get the love they want. Dr. Diana’s dating and relationship advice based on her Love in 90 Days courses and workshops have been featured on the Today Show, where she is a frequent guest, the Morning Show with Mike & Juliet, Montel Williams and Good Morning America. Dr. Diana has appeared on Oprah and is a regular contributor to Yahoo! Personals. She starred in Love in 90 Days Boot Camp, a TV pilot that was one of only five Official Selections in the reality category of the NY Television Festival and was the Love Specialist on The Simple Life Goes to Camp with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. She is widely quoted as a love and relationship doctor commenting on dating and couples issues in the New York Times, USA Today, Time Magazine, The New York Post, The LA Times, Cosmopolitan, and People magazines and in numerous other on- and off-line publications. First-time acquaintances often mistake Dr. Diana and her husband of 25+ years for newlyweds. Her new book, Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love, summarizes all of Dr. Diana’s strategies and secrets for finding love that lasts.

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Dr. Diana Kirschner, The Official Guide To Dating