Introduction
A date is a social engagement, appointment, or occasion that is prearranged with another person or a group of people. It is an interactive activity that usually requires people to intermingle with others. The protocols of a date, and its description, vary significantly from country to country. Most dates involve two people engaging in social activities with the intention of evaluating their compatibility as partners in an intimate relationship or as spouses. The social activities may include having dinner or lunch together, visiting a park, attending sports events or going to the movies. This paper outlines the different types of dates that individuals may choose to take part in.
Types of dates
The type of date between two people can vary depending on how long they have been together as well as how much they are committed to each other. At the beginning of most relationships, dates tend to be casual and more regular as the couple get to know each other. Couples in such relationships may not have much commitment to each other and may engage in other dates outside of the relationship. As they continue to relate, they may go on more romantic and intimate dates, and may begin to develop romantic feelings towards each other.
Generally, there are many types of dates that couples and individuals may chose depending on their needs and wants. Individuals can try out different types of dates every time.
Regular date
This type of date involves two willing and interested people. The two parties decide on a specific day, time and place to meet up and engage in some social activity like eating out, watching a movie, attending a music concert or talking a walk in the park. This type of date is common among single people. For a first date, it is important for the two parties to choose a location that they are both comfortable with as it helps to ease tension.
Double date
In this type of date, two couples come to a decision to go out on a date. The four individuals have to agree on where to go and what to do on the date. A double date is basically a regular date multiplied twice. This type of date is a great way to meet up new people, especially a friend’s partner, since some people are more at ease with a friend along to meet people for the first time. Double dates work brilliantly well when regular dates get monotonous and boring. Some good ideas for a double date include; planning a barbecue, road trips, playing a game together, an outdoor picnic and visiting an amusement park.
Group date
A group date involves two or more couples engaging in a social activity. This type of date can also be referred to as a friendly date since people who go out on such dates are mostly allies who would like to enjoy each other’s companionship. Group dates do not normally involve romance. The popularity of this type of date is increasing as it is perceived to be safer than single dates (especially blind dates). Just like double dates, group dates help to ease tension as the parties involved will feel more comfortable with the company of their friends.
Blind date
This type of date involves individuals who have not personally met each other prior to going on the date. The parties involved may only have seen each other’s photos or heard about each other from a common ally. The date is usually set up by the common friend. With advanced technology and the growing number of social networking sites and online dating services, this type of date is common nowadays. The location of blind dates should be kept casual. Going for a drink or coffee is an ideal way to meet as there is less pressure compared to having a meal. It is always advisable to meet a blind date in a public place for safety purposes as well as to set a casual tone. If the date goes well, the individuals may arrange a second date.
Long distance date
Long distance dates, or ‘holidating’, happen when one or both dating parties are in different locations (usually different cities or countries) and are only available to go on a date in that particular time period. Holidating mostly applies to couples who are currently in long distance relationships. Technology has made it possible for people to communicate much more easily. Couples in long distance relationships can set up dates online using web cams or using internet telephony services. There are thousands of online games that couples can choose to play together during a date. Watching a movie online together is also a good idea for a long distance date.
Conclusion
A date is a great way for partners to know more about each other and for people to meet new friends. It is important for all parties on a date to be comfortable and able to chat freely with each other. The meeting places should be carefully chosen depending on the purpose and type of date. Regardless of the type, the parties involved in a date should always try to be punctual, respectful, and know each other’s boundaries.
