Dating, just like people, comes in all different shapes and sizes. With so many types of dating that exist nowadays, you may wonder, what’s the point in dating anyways? It can be a frustrating process, but it can also be a fantastic learning experience. It allows you to learn about yourself and what you’re truly looking for. At different times in our lives, certain types of dating may be more suitable than others. Do you know all of your dating options?
Types of Dating
Online Dating
This modern way of dating has become quite popular over the last decade. People meet on the Internet through websites, phone apps or dating forums. There are even groups on Facebook. These people will usually start off with casual conversation via chats or emails. If they feel like they have a lot in common and both people want to get to know each other more, they will most likely move on to a different type of dating where they will meet in person.
Casual Dating
If you consider yourself to be casually dating, it probably means you are dating a few different people at the same time. Some people who are casually dating aren’t generally interested in getting serious with anyone anytime soon. Others are more interested in the sexual relationships that may come from casual dating.
Blind Dating
This type of dating can be fun… and nerve wrecking! Someone you know, better said someone who knows you well, sets you up with another person they think you’ll hit it off with. Your friends know you best and they have nothing but good intentions for you. If you trust them, you should give blind dating a try.
Double Dating
You usually go on double dates once you have already been dating someone for a while. They two of you meet up with another couple and make plans for the four of you. It’s a nice way to change things up a bit and see how you react together in a more social scene. Another way to double date is to combine it with blind dating. You can meet your friend and their significant other out with the person they want to set you up with. Many prefer this method of blind dating, so they don’t have to be alone with someone they barely know on the first date.
Speed Dating
Speed dating is an organized event set up at a specific location. Tables for two are usually set up around the room. The idea is that all the singles get to speak to each other for anywhere from 5-10 minutes, depending on the number of people and the event. This way you can meet a few candidates in a short amount of time. After the speed dating is up, you can evaluate who you have met and decide if you would like to further get to know one of them. Speed dating is a lot of fun, you never know what you are going to get or who you are going to meet! And if it doesn’t work out, you can simply leave without having to lightly let anyone down.
Serious Dating
After experimenting with other types of dating and finding someone that’s truly special to you, you would start serious dating. At this level of your relationship, they two of you will most likely be committed and not dating any other people on the side. You will consider yourselves and official couple and generally make a lot of plans together. Serious dating is the last step before getting engaged… that is, if you’re the marriage type. To each their own!
Individuals purposes for dating
Then there are the reasons behind dating. What do you want to get out of it? What does your date want out of it? It’s quite important to be on the same page. If you’re looking for a serious relationship and your date is only looking for a casual hookup or a friends with benefits set-up, then two of you probably won’t hit if off. In general here a some peoples’ purposes for dating:
Dating for entertainment
Some people simply enjoy meeting new people. Those which date for entertainment don’t usually plan on making anything serious. They are looking for a good time and possibly something sexual at the end of the night.
Dating to find out what happens
These sorts aren’t entirely sure what they want quite yet. Maybe they started by dating for entertainment but have developed some unexpected feelings for someone. So, they are testing out the waters to see if the little spark they are feeling can turn into a flame. People who begin with online dating may find themselves in the category as well. Perhaps they have met someone online, and after various conversations, they want to meet the person face-to-face
and see what happens.
Dating to find a long-term partner
These are the more serious daters. They are in it for the long haul and aren’t playing game when it comes to finding their special someone. They don’t do one-night stands and tend to put their whole heart into a relationship from the beginning. This phase can also come about after getting to know someone, dating to find out what happens, and knowing you see yourself with them in the future.
Dating after a serious break-up
This purpose for dating can be complicate. After a serious break-up or a divorce, people tend to get back on their feet by going on dates and trying to meet new people. Their purpose is not only to close the last chapter of their lives, but to find growth and acceptance within themselves. After imagining your future with a certain someone over a long period of time, it’s hard to let someone new in. These people may come off as cold at the beginning, but they are just learning how to open their hearts again.
So what are you waiting for? Put yourself out there, take the risk and start dating! The opportunities are endless.
