Dating or 'Hanging Out'

It used to be that unmarried people took the word “dating” seriously. A “date” is defined as “a social or romantic appointment or engagement”. Key work there is “appointment”. One asks the other for an appointment, or a date, and the other accepts or denies. These “appointments” were a time to get together and get to know one another. To see if their interest was a good comparison with yours, and also, can you even stand this other person? So much more than not, these days, dates consists of just being with the other person and “hanging out”. Is there a reason that a “date” should be “hanging out” or should we get back to making an appointment?

Back in the days that my parents went to school, and before, it was costmary to ask your “interest” to go to a movie, or dinner, or skating. Anything that would consist of you and that other person, going somewhere together to get to know each other. They often times would do a double date, with another couple. This was a great place to start as you weren’t under the pressure of making conversation with someone you hardly even know. As the relationship grew, they would spend more and more time together a lone and at that point, they would “hang out”. However, my parents still believe that it is important to a relationship to have a “date night”. Friday comes, and we know that they will not be at home, but will be on their weekly date. They say that is their alone time to reconnect.

Connection, which is what dating

 is all about. If you look forward to be with that person, then you know the connection is there. Dating pulls two people together and proves weather that relationship is something you crave for the rest of your life. It helps us to build even stronger relationships that will last into the eternities. Do you want to be with that person, or better yet, can you be with that person into that eternity?

Is “hanging out” a good idea? Of course, hanging out can be a great way to deepen a relationship, but it is not really the same as “dating” at all. In making an appointment to see someone you are telling that person, “I think you are important enough to take somewhere together and talk and spend quality time together”. Again, even after your married, dating is important. It shows you “want” to be with that person alone. It can be just to talk and get updated on the week, or month, or whatever it is, or it can be a formal dance, dinner, or whatever. The unfortunate thing about “hanging out” is it doesn’t show the other person they are important in your life. It’s almost like it shows the opposite; like you’re not impotant enough to me to take out alone and do something.

However, the upside to “hanging out” is that it is a cheaper alternative to dating. I think that is why It’s so hard to “date” for younger people. Hanging out still gives you time together, but you’re not strapping yourself with money. Unfortunately, this is what I end up doing most of the time. I’m a college student that doesn’t have money. Although I do try to take my interest out and at least have some fun, I cannot always do something that makes her feel important. I know that a “date” is important, so if I can find something that doesn’t cost anything, or very minimal, I will do that. Sledding is one date I found is fun and doesn’t have to cost money, or very minimal.

I hope that we can all get back to basics and realize the key to any relationship is time. Take time to get to know, and time to dedicate to one another. Although it is not always easy, this is so very important for any relationship. Whether it be dating or hanging out, let’s all make it quality time no matter what.