Originally Posted by Cassie
Dating should be that, you go out, to a movie, dinner, dance, drive, party, whatever. You go home after, say thank you , call you etc. This is to get to know each other, if you have the some of the same interests, goals. You do this for a few months, (we all know most anyone can be on good behavior for at least 3 months). You can still date others, after all it is still dating. If you find you really enjoy each others company, exclusive date. If that still feels right and you are comfortable with just the 2 of you. Then you take a step further. A relationship is when you are committed to each other and planning to take it further yet.
Especially when we are young we fall for someone for the wrong reasons. You like their looks, their car :) they are cool or whatever. In the beginning of the dating everything is wonderful, you love going to a ballgame with the guy and he loves to shop with you......then the newness wears off and you better not go to all of the ball games cause I hate them. HA It can be so wonderful in the beginning that we hang onto those "illusional" feelings instead of the real ones that come later. The hurtful ones when the newness wears off, and all the true colors start coming out. If that happens you run. That is why there is the dating process.
It is common now to have sex on the first date, at least by the 3rd or it is over. That takes it to a totally different level right off the get go. You have gotten into a relationship basically with a total stranger and wake up one day going what happened!!!??? You may be living with them after a month and your life is complicated now because you jumped into a relationship without the dating process.
Dating is getting to know someone and a relationship is becoming emotionally involved with that someone. When this happens in reverse it is most likely not going to last for long.
Just a few of my thoughts on the subject.