Dating is any social activity undertaken
by, typically, two people with the aim
of each assessing the other 's
suitability as their partner in an
intimate relationship or as a spouse .
The word refers to the act of meeting
and engaging in some mutually
agreed upon social activity. Traditional
dating activities include entertainment
or a meal . In many cultural traditions,
a date may be arranged by a third
party , who may be a family member ,
acquaintance, or professional
matchmaker . Recently internet dating
has become popular. Although dating
etiquette in Western culture has
become more relaxed during the
twentieth century, there are
considerable differences between
social and personal values. For
example , when an activity costs
money (for example , a meal) ,
traditionally the man was expected to
pay ; but in recent times the practice of
"going Dutch" (splitting the expenses)
has become more common and
more acceptable .
Systems for organizing dates * Online
dating: Instead of using a traditional
matchmaker , online dating uses
specifically targeted websites to meet
new people.
* Speed dating: Where a group of
people get together for several hours
in public ; you are given a set amount
of time to sit and talk to each person
before you move on to the next
person .
* Mobile dating/ cell phone dating:
Where text messages to and from a
mobile /cell phone carrier are used to
show interest in others on the system.
Can be web- based or online dating as
well depending on the company.
* Virtual dating: A combination of
video game playing and dating , where
users create avatars and spend time
in virtual worlds in an attempt to meet
other avatars with the purpose of
meeting for potential dates .
* Singles events : Where a group of
singles are brought together to take
part in various events for the
purposes of meeting new people .
Events can include such things as
parties , workshops and games .
Online dating or Internet dating is a
dating system which allows
individuals , couples and groups to
make contact and communicate with
each other over the Internet, usually
with the objective of developing a
personal romantic or sexual
relationship. Online dating services
usually provide unmoderated
matchmaking over the Internet ,
through the use of personal
computers or cell phones.
Online dating services generally
require a prospective member to
provide personal information , before
they can search the service provider' s
database for other individuals using
criteria they set, such as age range ,
gender and location. Most sites allow
members to upload photos of
themselves and browse the photos of
others. Sites may offer additional
services, such as webcasts , online
chat, telephone chat ( VOIP) , and
message boards . Some sites provide
free registration, but may offer
services which require a monthly fee .
Other sites depend on advertising for
their revenue.
Many sites are broad- based, with
members coming from a variety of
backgrounds looking for different
types of relationships . Other sites are
more specific , based on the type of
members, interests, location, or
relationship desired.