Dating

From Encyclopedia of Sex and Sexuality

Dating appears to be a relatively new phenomenon in Western culture. Sociologists have attributed its growth and popularity to the waning of arranged marriage, coinciding with the development of the automobile and mass transit, both of which gave young people mobility. It contrasts with more traditional forms of socializing with the opposite sex carried out under the watchful eyes of adults, who acted as chaperones. Dating and the later stage of “going steady”—dating only one person of the opposite sex—provide the means for mate selection in lieu of the decline of parentally arranged marriages. Although it is widely believed that most dating begins about the age of puberty, increasing numbers of preadolescent boys and girls are not only dating but “going steady.”

Dating during adolescence is considered by most professionals to be a normal and healthy stage for learning and practicing the psychosexual skills necessary for a successful transition to more intensive emotional involvements. However, the social exclusivity inherent in going steady may cause some problems for adolescents, who, by limiting this important social experience to one person, may not fully develop other facets of their personality or interests that appear to be boring to their partner.