Before marriage, younger Americans date each other, that is, they often go out together.Casual dating usually begins in the early teens, and in the late teens a pattern of steady dating develops. There is a great possibility that one goes to a dance with one person, to a football game with another, and to a picnic with a third. Sometimes two couples go out together. This is known as “double dating.” Group dating is also popular among young people. Large groups of boys and girls may go around together. Young people may go out together for a long time, which is, in effect, a public statement of their intention to marry. Men and women go out together a great deal, especially those in cities. This is “adult dating.” They ski together, dine together, either at restaurants or in each other’s homes. The American dating system is a rather casual one. Often young Americans who hardly know each other go out on dates. It is also acceptable for them to arrange a “blind date”, that is, a date between two young people who have not met before.
Dating                      Description
Causal dating                            Early teens
Steady dating                            Late teens
Many partners                           e.g. a dance, a game, a picnic
Double dating                           Two couples
Group dating                            Large groups
Go out for a long period                   Intention to marry
Adult dating                            Men and women.e.g.ski, work, dine together
Casual dating system                     Those who hardly know each other
Blind dating                            Those who have never met before