This is a question that has bogged the minds of most people. What is dating? What is courtship? Do they mean the same thing or different things?
Well, that mystery is just about to be solved.
The Merriam Webster References define dating as a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character.
While The Free Dictionary defines same as an engagement to go out socially with another person, often out of romantic interest.
And courtship?
Merriam Webster defines courtship as the activities that occur when people are developing a romantic relationship that could lead to marriage or the period of time when such activities occur.
Merriam Webster defines courtship as the activities that occur when people are developing a romantic relationship that could lead to marriage or the period of time when such activities occur.
So, it appears that dating is similar to courtship except that with the latter, there is an intention of planning to become married eventually. Though, it doesn’t necessarily have to end in marriage – perhaps because the couple observe that they differ on the most important things, and as such are incompatible -, but that should be the general intention.
Courtship is also about defining the boundary, and the fact that you won’t just date for experience, but that you are dating with an intention. But dating is not that rigorous in scope. Hence, dating happens because of courtship, but courtship is not the result of dating.
But you may ask, “How can I jump into courtship without dating first?” Well, great question!
Actually, what’s wise is for you both to build a good friendship first. If two people are in love, and have a solid friendship, then the relationship is founded on a firm foundation. Then, once you realize you want to take the relationship from friendship to a relationship leading into marriage, and are sure that you both are ready for that commitment. Consultations can then be made with both families on that.
And there goes the explanation of the terms “dating” and “courtship.” I sure hope it did it for you.
1 thought on “Any Difference Between Dating and Courtship?”
Good. Strongly agreed.