Does dating exist anymore?

[Rocsteady]

Does dating exist anymore? :(
I do not think I am old fashion (maybe a tad traditional) but that having been said, my question begins with does anyone date anymore? When I was in my teens, I remember dating being a movie and dinner followed by conversation. When I was in my twenties, dating was an even nicer dinner, drinks, and conversation. After a marriage, a divorce and total acceptance my sexual identity I find dating has changed quite a bit. I have been on dates in the last few years but it’s different. The dates are more a prelude to sex (not that there is anything wrong with that) but they are not dates. The dates I have been on, we do not get to know each other (except for sexual history, preferences, etc.). I have friends with benefits and the benefits part is actually more than the friends’ part. So my question: is it a far-fetched, old fashion idea to actually date and get to know someone, develop a one to one connection (excluding sex), including a follow-up date with the exchanging of numbers and conversation that develops into a friendship that may or may not lead to something more, but that progresses over time? Granted, it could just be the type of people I have been dating. Maybe I am just a romantic at heart (I accept that), but am I the only one? :banghead: Conversation, fun times spent going out, flirting just for the sake of flirting, making plans to spend time together that excludes sex. Is there a median ground between strangers (first meeting, introduction) and relationship? It use to be called friendship and the gap was linked through dating. Does dating exist anymore? :soapbox:

[TorontoGuy2007]

the term "dating" seems to mean something different to everyone. some consider it a casual thing while others interchange the term with relationship.

there does seem to be lots of people, especially on this site, that are more interested in sexual activities than actually getting to know someone.

i prefer to enter relationships only after a good friendship with someone. dating someone out of the blue seems like too much pressure for me to handle. i need a friendship where i can totally be myself and not fear anything or hide anything.

technically, every time i get together with a friend, it could be considered a date.. because i am always sizing up my friends to consider whether or not i'd like to take things further with them.. yet at the same time, the formality of "dating" has never really been a part of my life.

as far as sexual flings, well that's not for me.

[TaylorMade]

psst, Roc, you're not the only one noticing that. It's funny, I find it easier to get to know guys from another part of the country, because it seems the closer you get to your own location, the more sex is expected.

<shrug>

*Taylor*

[Domino]

I think the term dating is outdated. I feel very uncomfortabel when a guy approaches me and you just know he is about to ask you to dinner or something lame like that.

I would feel more comfortable with meeting them somewhere to have drinks, or a group dinner or something. There is something about dating that is akward and old fashioned. I do not date, nor will I ever. I run a mile if I am asked on a date.

[rockstarvomit]

maybe its the fact that i havent had a relationship at all in so long, but i would love it if anyone came up and asked me to dinner. it seems like hooking up has replaced dating and i feel like that is backwards. id would much rather get to know a person before getting physical as opposed to fuck now, talk later.

[deletetacount123]

I perfer to be friends first then if theres a good chemistry and we both want to, then go into a relationship. Just seems the best way to go for me.

It seems to me these days dating lends to one night stands and IM NOT into that.....

But I think everyone has thier own perferences :)

[darkeyes]

It bloody duz Roc as my beloved mum has just reminded me having set me up with an ex bf I havent seen for years on the basis that we were an item when he left the area and eventually lost touch, that she thinks I should find a nice man and settle down (not that she is anti bi or gay..she isnt.. but she wud no more think of setting me up with a yummie ex gf than pigs fly!) and worst of all have nice babbas for her to spoil. Friday will not be a good day! And before you say I should tell her where to go...u try it with my mum... there is a standing joke in the chatroom about me and a cleaver.. weaving weapons of mass destruction upon people who get up her nose and defy her wishes is a hobby of hers.. try it sometime. I do often when it cant be avoided, but on this occasion it just seems like the easy option to keep her quiet. I cant wait for her to meet curio.. now her reaction to him would be a joy to watch..much better than my pitiful wee cleaver and some pickle jars! ;)

Fact is yes I do date. But I prefer to make my own arrangements with people I want to date, not have my life run by others for reasons of their own. :tong: