WHAT Is Dating and WHAT does it Mean!?

This topic comes up from time to time in conversations about relationships. I took the time to do a little survey but I want more opinions since this is such a vague definition or just simply put a "case by case basis." What are your thoughts about dating because honestly I'M SO OVER IT! I find it exhausting and confusing at times. When people date I feel that they are hardly ever on the same page. And when they are it's shortly lived. Why is that? Do people date for different reasons? Please explain your thoughts and opinions. Below is my survey. I'm curious to know some examples of miscommunication on the topic or just some good old juicy stories relating to DATING!

Survey Says:

Female response age 27:
Dating can be open or exclusive, but to me dating means that you guys do other things besides having sex. Meaning if the only time you see him is when you guys are laying down on 400 thread count sheets, then he is just a "friend" aka booty call. But, if you guys spend quality time together like going out dinner, etc. then you guys are definitely dating. Also I think ladies need to be smart enough to figure it out, like when the two of you find it hard not to connect with each other at least once a day or every other day, just to say hi or see how each others day is going, then I think the type of relationship that you are in speaks for itself. I also don't think a woman should ask a man after 2 dates "are we dating?", to me it is moving a little to fast. I would let it flow for at least a month and if you see that your feelings are getting stronger and you truly feel a connection with this person, " then you ask the exclusive or non-exclusive question"

P.S. I'm a serial dater, lol


Female response age 33:
Well, in that specific scenario I think the woman wanted to know if they were "DATING" or just sleeping (either 1 or more times) which it could be possible without "DATING". You can sleep with someone & not necessarily be "DATING" them, BUT that's why you should speak about it before hand if you care. Another point is I think as a woman one should know when a man wants to "date" you or just sleep with you... I think it shows (at least most of the times)
If this man didn't call after sleeping with that woman... he's obviously not interested in a solid/serious way, plus he could be "dating" or just sleeping with other women. I think this is not respectful towards the woman, he should had be a gentleman & call.
To me "DATING" is getting together with someone (with or with out sex) in order to get to know each other, by spending time together, doing activities & talking about the personal details in life of the person, this way you can find out if you have things in common & are compatible. Then you can make a decision if you wanna keep going further with the person. Yes, it could be just physical attraction but then eventually nothing solid will come out of it. Normally I believe people date so they can find out if they can be in a relationship with that person right?
Yes, I do agree that "DATING" can be open, so its up to one to decide what kind of "DATING" we want or expect from the other... exclusive or open? Maybe that's why sometimes is good to take our time (regarding sleeping with someone) unless one just want to have fun.
Like the dictionary says: "DATING": go out with someone in whom one is romantically or sexually interested.
This can be done with as many people as one chooses I guess... But to me the ideal would be to DATE only 1 person at a time.
Male response age 34:
To me dating starts when intimate moments occur. having at least 2 dates under the belt. time before sex but, after the first kiss. That's just my manly perspective on dating.

Female response age 27:
if Jill were dating I took it as her trying to get some sought of clarity. It is important that the two agree and confirm that they agree on what both terms mean. I believe that dating allows the option to see other people and if you're in a relationship that means the two are boyfriend/girlfriend, unless of course, if they specify and agree as to whether they are in an open or exclusive relationship
They need to just stop playing games and make it happen. To me its black or white, either you want to be together exclusively or you want to date (and have sex) and see other people (which I deem to be a friendship with benefits).

Male response age 29:
I think dating is trial period or a long term test of feeling out a person. Deciding if you want to make an investment in that person or what kind of relationship you want with them-if any. It doesn't mean that you’re a relationship it simply means just hanging out with them from time. It doesn't change anything even if sex is involved. I think that they don’t have to be in agreement for them to be dating, it depends on what each persons goal or intentions are with the other. They don’t have mutual intentions.
Male response age 28:
To me dating is sex with a person more than once(not few and far btw) makes them my 'dater' as I like to call it. Also if we share romance (i.e. sweet, flirty talk or kissing) Oh and if they are my dater then that means that we are letting each other know if we are dating someone else or sexing someone else... that is if there is respect.) PLUS going on dates, that also makes them my 'dater'
Female response age 29:
That's funny but confusing to all... What's the answer?!?!?!

Male response age 35:
Dating is the time two people spend where they can be intimate and they’re actually sharing social moments to figure out what the upside of their potential could be. This can go on for a long periods time. It just basically needs to be done until the two people come to some sort of agreement of the details of what their relationship is going to be. For instance it could lead to an exclusive relationship, a friendship with benefits, open relationships and more.
Female Response 30
It means just having sex and getting to know each other. Once you've both decided to not just have sex exclusively but to share an exclusive bond that's when you're titled girlfriend/boyfriend.