Home > Humanities And Science > Current Events

An Introduction To Singles Dating

by Kevin Stith

It is part of man's nature to be attracted to the opposite sex and to find partner whom he can marry and share intimate moments with. Dating is the process of finding a person we may find attractive and pleasing. In traditional communities, especially in the East, it is a well-defined and planned activity while in the west; it typically involves going out and socializing with possible lovers.

Some Eastern countries have customs that involve parents and matchmakers in the courtship and dating process. In Japan, the tradition is called as Omiai. It is done as soon as the parents feel that their child has already come to the right age of marrying. They hire matchmakers or intermediaries that look for a good partner to their son or daughter. Usually, the parents and the matchmakers intervene in the process of the deciding whether to marry the person or not.

Western cultures characterize dating in a more casual way. It involves socializing with friends or a particular person in the hope of finding a future partner. Through the years, the term dating has acquired several other connotations. Most American teens and adult singles alike now use the word "dating" to mean having a romantic relationship exclusively with a particular person.

The means of finding a date has changed a lot through the years. In the 1940s, singles used to place ads in magazines and broadsheets to find a date. Then came modern computer technology that led to advancement in the use of telephones, mobile phones and the Internet. Singles used these as their alternatives as well in finding their perfect match.

Online and speed dating are among the most popular ways singles date today. Online or cyber dating is done by placing online ads in web sites that provide dating services, exchanging e-mails, chatting and voice chatting. For about $9 per month, you can have access to networks of singles from all walks of life, and you can possibly find the right person for you.

Speed dating, on the other hand is an easy and fast way to meet new people or possible lovers. It is a formal matchmaking practice, wherein several people meet in one night and in one place. At the venue, you can have a chance to interact with each of the participants for a few minutes, and then later, choose the person most compatible to you.

More articles >>