Blackwell Reference Online

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Dating relationships have no uniform defining characteristics. They have romantic or sexual overtones, occur between two people who are not married to each other or to anyone else, typically do not share a residence, have not formally acknowledged plans to marry, and may or may not expect continued involvement. These relationships vary in expectations for and level of commitment, intimacy, exclusivity, and sexual activity. Dating relationships have often been equated with “premarital” relationships or are considered part of “courtship,” though it is recognized that most “premarital” relationships do not result in marriage, nor are they intended to. Dating as a relational form emerged in the US and has received limited research attention in nonwestern countries. In the US, the primary type of romantic involvement among unmarried individuals has shifted from courtship as a precursor to marriage to dating as a recreational activity with little emphasis on commitment ( Rollin 1999 ). In addition to courtship or mate selection and recreation, reasons for dating include socialization (getting to know each other), status grading (increasing one's social status by dating popular or attractive individuals), sexual experimentation, satisfaction, and intimacy ( Roscoe et al. 1987 ). Some report that “dates” as formal preplanned activities are becoming less frequent ( Glenn & Marquardt ... log in or subscribe to read full text