What is Dating? – The Meaning of Dating Defined & Explained (2026)

Ah, dating. Sometimes it gets you out of bed in the morning, and other times it makes you want to hide under your fluffiest blanket and never emerge again.

Depending on your personality type, dating — or seeing any people socially for that matter — can pump you up or exhaust you. All emotions during the dating process are natural, mainly because the meaning of dating can be different depending on who you’re seeing.

So, what is dating exactly? What is the purpose, and how do you know what stage of dating you’re in? We’re here to set the record straight on the ins and outs of dating so that you can be confident in your own romantic journey.

What Is Dating?

Dating, defined as people seeing each other socially due to romantic interest, is also a period of time when you’re learning about another person to understand if you’re compatible for a romantic relationship.According to recent data, 46.4% of American adults are single, making roughly 117.6 million adults unmarried. It’s a little insight into the changing attitudes about relationships, with more people taking time to explore what they want before committing.

Modern dating in 2026 happens through:

• Traditional dates (restaurants, bars, parks, museums)
• Online dating platforms and dating apps
• Meeting up through friends or shared activities
• Professional matchmaking services

---

Did You Know? 65% of adults aged 18-29 have used a dating site or dating app such as Tinder or Bumble.

---

Dating typically includes going out with each other to be in one another’s company and enjoy spending time together. You might only see each other over a few dates, or you might date long enough to meet each other’s friends or family. Dating often includes physical intimacy as well as emotional connection over the course of your time together.

What’s Casual Dating vs. Serious Dating?

Understanding the difference between casual dating and serious dating is essential for managing expectations and finding compatibility with the people you date.

Casual dating means:

• Seeing someone without expecting a committed relationship
• Exploring connections like friends with benefits (FWB)
• Short-term arrangements focused on meeting people and having fun
• Flexibility to date different people

Serious dating signals:

• Intentionality and purpose
• Determining compatibility for long-term commitment
• Working toward an exclusive relationship
• Shared future planning

---

Did You Know? 64% of single millennials want a committed relationship, though many remain open to casual dating.

---

What Is the Purpose of Dating?

The purpose of dating truly differs from person to person, which can be quite frustrating when you meet someone interesting who has a different meaning of dating than you do. In your dating life, you’ve probably come across all types of people — from the non-committals to those ready to settle down after the first date.But try not to focus on what the purpose of dating is to the different people you choose to see. It’s important to ask yourself, “What is dating to me, and what do I want the outcome to be at this point in my life?”

Modern Dating Motivations

The purpose of dating looks different for everyone, and being clear about your intentions helps you find someone who wants the same things.

Common reasons people date:

• Finding a lifelong match (marriage or long-term partnership)
• Casual dating (hooking up, enjoying time without commitment)
• Exploring connections (open to where things naturally lead)
• Meeting new people and expanding their social circle

Whatever your reason is for dating, make sure that you communicate it early on. It doesn’t have to be on the first date — or even the second or third — but at some point, especially if you’re getting clues from the other person one way or another, it might be helpful to have this conversation to manage expectations.

---

Need dating advice? Explore our From the Experts blog series for guidance on navigating these conversations.

---

Differences Between Dating and a Relationship

While it would be nice to have a hard-and-fast rule about dating vs. a relationship, knowing when one turns into the other isn’t that easy. For example, just because you’ve been seeing someone exclusively for a month–or even a year–doesn’t mean that you’re in a relationship. 

Dating typically means:

• No formal commitment required
• A casual yet intentional period of getting to know each other
• You might be seeing multiple people or just one person
• Flexibility and exploration

Being in a relationship typically requires:

• Exclusivity: Agreeing not to date other people
• Intentional time: Making each other a priority
• Future planning: Discussing long-term goals together
• Emotional investment: Building deeper emotional intimacy

If you desire a relationship and you’re ever in doubt about whether your romantic situation is a relationship or casual dating, it’s time for the DTR, or “define the relationship.” Have a heart-to-heart with your romantic companion about their perspective on how things are going and if you both see a future together. 

---

Did You Know? Recent research shows that singles are increasingly rejecting the one-size-fits-all approach, instead seeking authentic connections that align with their personal values.

---

Does Dating Mean That You’re Exclusive?

It depends. The world of dating is open to interpretation. Someone might date a few people at once or tend to go out with only one person at a time. What is dating to you? If you find yourself seeing someone who has a different perspective on dating than you do, have a chat about whether to be or not to be exclusive. If exclusivity is a deal breaker to you, then it’s important to eventually discuss it with the person you’re dating.

Understanding Exclusivity in 2026

The conversation about exclusivity has changed significantly, and being upfront about your expectations prevents confusion down the road.

Key points about exclusivity:

• Unlike old-fashioned dating culture, exclusivity is no longer assumed
• Modern dating requires explicit communication about relationship expectations
• Clarity matters whether you meet through dating apps, blind date setups, matchmaking, or organically
• Some prefer non-exclusive early dating; others focus on one person from the start
• Neither approach is wrong — compatibility means finding someone who shares your preferences

What Are the Five Stages of Dating?

Heading toward a long-ish relationship? Generally, there are five stages of dating someone long term:

1. Attraction

First impressions are everything, and let’s just say … you’re impressed. You’re wowed by their good looks, their personality, the way they laugh at your cheesy jokes, and how you both have seemingly everything in common. Attraction is one of the most invigorating stages of dating.

This is the stage where you might exchange phone numbers after meeting at a coffee shop or matching on online dating platforms. The excitement is palpable, and every text message brings a little thrill.

2. Settling In

The initial attraction is still going strong, but now you’re both getting into a groove with each other. You start to see each other more often from week to week, planning dates or hanging out after work. You’re meeting up regularly and beginning to integrate into each other’s routines.

This stage often involves more intentional time together — moving beyond the formal first date to more casual hangouts and deeper conversations.

3. Reality

After a while, you both start to fit each other into your day-to-day lives. But now is the time that you might start to question if this person is right for you and if they fit into your own meaning of dating.

Maybe their snoring literally keeps you up at night, or the way you squabble over the smallest issues is wearing you down. On the other hand, maybe you love their quirks, like how they leave every cabinet door open in the kitchen or how they strike up a conversation with anyone they meet.

This phase of dating is often a question of acceptance: Do you find yourself getting more annoyed with or accepting this person? The reality phase of dating can be eye-opening to say the least, but if you can get over this hump, you’ll be set up well for the next stages.

4. Emotional Intimacy

At some point, your true colors will shine. That’s not to say that you both weren’t acting yourselves for the first few stages, but many people tend to hold back their deepest feelings, secrets, desires, and thoughts until it’s safe to unveil them.

When you feel safe with the person you’re dating, you’ll probably start to develop emotional intimacy, which can stem from conversations or tough situations that you experience together. This is where a casual dating situation might transform into something deeper — or where you realize you’re better as best friends than romantic partners.

Building an intimate relationship requires vulnerability and trust, and this stage determines whether you’re truly compatible for the long haul.

5. Commitment

This stage might mean that your relationship is exclusive, that you’re committed to see where this goes (but are still keeping your options open), or that you’re engaged or even married. Commitment looks different to different people — and that’s totally normal.

It just means that you value keeping this person in your life in a way that makes the most sense to both parties. This is when dating evolves into a defined relationship status that reflects your shared understanding and goals.

What Is Dating in a Relationship?

Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t mean that you should stop dating. In fact, it’s healthy to continue dating your partner!

Dating defined in a relationship is all about prioritizing quality time with your S.O. and maintaining that sense of connection and discovery. You don’t necessarily need to set aside hours and hours every week to go out, but try to channel your initial dating energy from when you first met and plan some one-on-one moments.

Get coffee at your favorite café on a Sunday morning, go on a wine-and-walk after work, or make reservations at that hot new restaurant down the street. Dating means spending time getting to know someone — and that doesn’t have to stop once you’re going steady.

Continuing to date within your relationship helps maintain compatibility, keeps the romantic spark alive, and shows your partner that you’re still invested in growing together.

Finding Your Path in Dating Culture

Wherever you are in your journey to finding love, getting clarity on the question “What is dating?” can be enlightening and help you trust the process.

Dating in 2026 offers multiple paths:

• Online dating apps and dating sites
• Blind date setups through friends
• Meeting people through shared activities
• Professional matchmaking services
• Traditional in-person connections

Sometimes it can be challenging to get out there, meet people, and be vulnerable. But take every dating experience moment by moment, and always keep your values and goals at heart.

---

Want more dating advice? Explore our From the Experts blog series for insights on building meaningful connections.

---

Looking for personalized support? Tawkify’s professional matchmaking services can help you navigate the modern dating landscape with confidence. Find Your Person today!

FAQs: Common Dating Questions Answered

Still have questions about what dating is? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions.

What’s the difference between dating and hooking up?

Dating involves getting to know someone with potential for an emotional connection and a romantic relationship. Hooking up typically means casual physical encounters without expectation of emotional intimacy or commitment.

How do I know if I’m ready to start dating?

You’re likely ready when you feel emotionally available, have clarity about what you want from a dating relationship, and are open to meeting new people and exploring connections.

What are dating apps, and how do they work?

Dating apps are digital platforms to help you meet potential romantic partners. Popular options include Bumble, Tinder, and Hinge.

Is it okay to use dating apps for casual dating?

Yes. Dating apps serve multiple purposes — from finding a committed relationship to casual dating or making friends. Be clear in your dating profile about what you’re looking for to attract compatible matches.

How long should I date someone before becoming exclusive?

There’s no universal timeline. Some couples discuss exclusivity after a few weeks; others take several months. The key is open communication about your expectations and comfort levels regarding an exclusive relationship.

What makes a healthy relationship?

A healthy relationship is built on mutual respect, trust, emotional intimacy, clear communication, and shared values. Both partners should feel supported and valued while maintaining their individual identities.

How do I navigate online dating as a beginner?

Create an authentic dating profile, take time getting to know matches before meeting up, and don’t get discouraged by unsuccessful first dates — finding compatibility takes time. Consider professional matchmaking for additional support if needed.