Dating vs Going Out
The difference between dating and going out is in the levels of relationship. During the teenage and afterwards, members of opposite sex undergo different types of relationships that may or may not culminate in marriage. Attaining puberty leads to a renewed interest in the opposite sex and both boys and girls start to see members of the opposite sex more often than before when boys confine themselves to boys and girls to girl groups. Two of the most common processes that allow boys and girls to get into a friendly relationship are dating and going out. Many people think that dating and going out are the same, and there is no difference between the two. On the other hand, there are many who feel that dating brings exclusivity that is not there in going out. This article attempts to find out the real difference between dating and going out.
What is Going Out?
Going out is a casual way of getting to know each other. It does not involve any committment or seriousness. Going out is simply getting to know someone so that you can decide what to do. If you as a girl tell your parents that you are going out to a function with a boy who studies with you in college, it looks more casual. As a boy, if you find a girl attractive and ask her to go out with you to have cold drinks or even to see a movie, it is not the same as dating.
What is Dating?
Dating is more like a test drive of a serious relationship where the involved people are officially known as girlfriend and boyfriend. Dating comes after going out. When you go out with a girl or a boy and find them compatible and start thinking about a relationship, you start dating. This involves some commitment as you are being exclusive about a guy or a girl.
As a girl, when the boy is known to your parents, and you have been going out with him quite often, that is known as dating. In other words, you have been dating that boy in full knowledge of your relatives. It is when going out becomes frequent, and the boy and girl develop a relationship that using the word dating looks more appropriate. Here, it has to be kept in mind that dating is far more serious and committed than going out and if you are dating a girl for some time, going out with another girl might be considered cheating on your part.
If you have still not made up your mind and do not feel committed to a person, it is better keep using the phrase going out instead of saying you are dating that person. Dating is far more formal and makes you committed to that person and brings exclusivity that is not seen or felt in going out as you are free to go out with other persons too. It is not that you cannot go out with a person of the opposite sex just because you have your date. It is when the two of you have talked about your feelings to each other and think that the two of you are in a deep relationship that dating becomes the right word to going out with each other.
Teenagers make more frequent use of the phrase going out. Teenagers do not want to confront their feelings, and their parents too would not encourage dating at an early age which is why they say they are going out rather than accepting they are dating.
What is the difference between Dating and Going Out?
• Definitions of Dating and Going Out:
• The word dating is used when parents of both boy and girl know about their relationship.
• On the other hand, going out is far more casual.
• Formality:
• Dating is more formal, emotional, and possibly involves physical action too.
• Going out or hanging out with someone is more fun than being emotional.
• Nature:
• Dating tells that there will be specified activity like watching a movie together and having dinner.
• Going out does not specify what the couple is going to do.
Images Courtesy:
- Teens by a fountain by Garry Knight (CC BY 2.0)
- Couple via Pixabay (Public Domain)