#4 - What is the difference between dating and courting and why is it important?
Courting is a word that is rarely used today. The word dating has basically replaced the word courting but there is a difference. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, dating means to do an activity with someone you have might have a romantic relationship with : to go on a date or several dates with (someone). O…n the other hand, courting is to act in a way that shows that you want or intend to get married.
If we stick with the strict definitions, dating is non-committal. You may be dating someone exclusively but there is no commitment or desire for the relationship to lead to marriage. There may not even be a long-term commitment to remain in the relationship.
Courting is the focus on one person, on one relationship with the intention of the relationship leading to marriage.
Why is this important to know and understand? It all goes back to communication. Understanding what you are looking for in a relationship and what your mate or love interest is looking for is important for good communication. Knowing the difference between dating and courting is important so there are no misunderstandings especially if each of you are looking for or desiring different outcomes. It can be hurtful not to mention a waste of each others time if you are not working toward the same outcome in your relationship.
So the question we pose is; Are you dating or are you courting?