Teen Dating

What is dating?

• Dating is when two people who are romantically interested in each other go out.
• One reason people date is to find that significant other in their life who they share similarities with, love, and will spend their life with.
• Another is for socialization, to get to know a person and enjoy each other's company.

COMMON WAYS DATING BEGINS

• When a person romantically is interested in another person, typically, teens begin dating by asking the other person out.
• Now in today's generation, it can be as easy as texting or direct messaging online.

Positive traits when dating

• Paying attention to your date, listening attentively and asking questions.
• Keeping a conversation going and assuring your date is entertained.
• Respectful and being who you are.

Negative traits when dating

• Not paying attention (Example: Going on phone).
• Interrupting your date and/or being rude.
• Talking about past relationships.

Infatuation v. love

• According to Merriam-Webster, to be infatuated means to be inspired by foolish or extravagant love or admiration and likely to be short term; on the other hand, love is a constant feeling of affection for someone romantically and is a long-lasting emotion.

In countries, such as Canada, dating is similar to America: principles of who can date who varies on a person and their family's culture, and people can choose who they date.

However, according to http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring07/zuffoletti/traditional.html, in regions of the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, people do not date but instead have arranged marriages, in which the parents have complete control of who is paired with who.

pros of teen dating

• If dating a good person, they can be a good influence on their partner.
• Furthermore, one's partner can offer encouragement and happiness.
• People are able to get to know others more.

cons of teen dating

• May cause a distraction from more important things like school.
• Could cause other relationships to fall (Example: Friendships/family)
• Partner could be a negative influence on the person.