What you never knew about dating and courting PT1

Dating and courting

There are lots of debate and confusion between this two words, "dating and courting". Some use it interchangeably. What prompted me to write this was a question a brother asked on his status demanding responses. Is dating the same as courtship? My answer is NO! Dating and courting are two different things entirely and should never be mistaken as same.

According to English Dictionary, Dating is a form of romantic courtship typically between two individuals with the aim of assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse. The result of dating may at any time lead to friendship, any level of intimate relationship, marriage, or no relation.

Please note the words in italics here. Dating involves intimate assessment of each other for suitability. In dating, as you can see, there are no certainties or promises. Dating may or may not lead to marriage.

You can also read: Love and Religion

We see the word 'courtship' mentioned in the above definition. Please, let's not forget the word 'romantic courtship' as seen above. Romantic involves romance and romance is an intimate, romantic relationship between two people; a love affair. "This actually, is only meant for married couples.

So then, what is courtship? According to the same English Dictionary, Courtship is the act of paying court, with the intent to solicit a favor.
The act of wooing in love; solicitation of woman to marriage.

Let's equally take note of highlighted words in the above definition. I believe you can see for yourself that there is nothing like romantic, assessing intimately in the above definition.