A related sense of the term is when two people have been out in public only a few times but have not yet committed to a relationship; in this sense, dating describes an initial trial period and can be contrasted with being in a committed relationship.

Does going on dates mean youre dating?

“Dating” means youre going on dates. You are actively getting out there and meeting people and spending time with them. “Dating someone” means youre seeing somebody specific, with purpose and on a regular basis. Youre spending time with a person (or persons) in hopes of finding a committed relationship.

Do you have to be dating someone to go on a date?

The truth of the matter is that theres no set time or agreed-upon number of dates to have before making a relationship official. For example, there are relationships that become official after just a few dates, while there are other relationships that become official after a few months.

How long before a relationship is serious?

The three month-mark in a relationship is usually when you either take the relationship to the next level and become more serious, or you decide that love isnt going to grow and you break ties, dating coach, Anna Morgenstern, tells Bustle. Every couple goes through the stages of relationships at their own pace.