What's the difference between dating and courting?
There is a huge difference between dating and courting, especially in today's modern society! Maybe you've heard that courting is dead, or dating in today's world is scary and not worth it. A lot of junk is out there and it's confusing, but don't worry. It will make sense.
What’s the difference between dating and courting/courtship?
I've asked this question many times and have gotten different answers to each, almost every time. After receiving different answers and opinions, I've come to better understand the difference between dating and courtship.
Dating:
Dating is when a couple casually gets to know each other, evaluating their mutual compatibility and discerning if they would like to enter a committed romantic relationship together. Dating can be a casual romantic relationship with no serious commitment. Dating can also be done, exclusively, or non-exclusively. * It is important to clarify with the girl you are currently dating or interested in dating, whether either of you are dating exclusively or non exclusively. I personally recommend dating exclusively. You don’t want to make her an option, because nobody likes feeling like a choice. The intention of dating, even though it’s less serious than a courtship, should be getting to know the girl and discerning your compatibility as romantic partners. Adding another love interest in the mix not only makes things messy, but just isn’t cool. Just stick to one girl, and get to know her well, and go from there.
Courting:
A courtship is the next step in dating, because of the intentionality. If you are entering a courtship, you are entering a romantic relationship with the intention of marriage — wanting to spend the rest of your life with this girl. Yeah, I know, it’s a big decision, but don’t let it scare you. Dating, may or may not result in a courtship. Courtships, are very traditional, and have the intent of ending in marriage and potentially starting a family.
In my opinion, dating should have the intention of courtship, ultimately ending in a loving relationship as a married couple. You don't need to talk about entering a courtship, until you've fully discerned that courting is the next step to the relationship. Until then, enjoy her company and make great memories together.
What should you do?
I suggest steering clear of any form of casual dating or relationships -- because things get messy. If you are to date, I think it is best to go ahead and date one girl, at a time and take your time evaluating the connection with the girl you’re dating exclusively. Remember, dating is supposed to be fun, it's supposed to be exciting and talking about a huge commitment like marriage isn’t something that should be in the picture, just yet. So hold your horses, get to know her, without jumping the gun into marriage. I suggest you date without getting too serious and enjoy each other's company. DON'T introduce her to your parents, and vice versa, as meeting parents can indicate that you are interested or ready to enter the next step in dating.
Focus on getting to know the girl you're dating by understanding who she is, her interests, her likes and dislikes. Grab coffee with her, make her laugh, take her out for a picnic, go on a hike.
Make awesome memories!
Take care,
Blessed and Broken