Difference Between Dating and Courtship

Dating vs Courtship
 

How do you begin a relationship with the opposite sex? Of course, the age-old methods called dating or courtship. This is particularly true for Christians around the world. However, dating with the intention of having a sexual relationship without committing to each other for a long-term relationship such as marriage is not just wrong; it is sinful too. Thus, dating by many is seen as a little more than friendship, and friendship aspect remains intact in dating, until both partners feel they are ready for a more meaningful relationship. Courtship is similar to dating; in the sense, that it allows man and woman to come together to know each other, though strictly under the watchful eyes of parents or other family members. There are many who confuse between courtship and dating. This article is meant to highlight the features of both to enable readers to know their differences.

What is dating?

Dating is a rather modern term and refers to the process whereby man and woman come closer to each other with the intention of knowing each other in a better manner. Dating involves intimacy beyond holding hands and kissing, making out and even sex is practiced before parting ways or deciding to marry later. If I tell that the word date comes from the word mate, many would not agree, but to say publically that you are mating with someone is embarrassing; this is how the word dating came into existence. It must have come into existence around the same time as automobile was invented. Dating sounds cleaner with no embarrassment, but we all know the reality. Dating today is no more than sex with permission.

Before the invention of automobile, a man would invest time with a woman, to know if she indeed a potential marriage partner. When there was no car around, man and woman had to spend time with the family, but with car around, they could easily leave family behind.

What is Courtship?

Courtship is a rather more spiritual and time tested practice of knowing if the opposite sex partner is indeed compatible with oneself or not. Intimacy or sex is not practiced willfully in courtship, as courtship believes in commitment before intimacy. Courtship takes place in the presence of family members and no more than holding of hands is allowed.

But today it is seen that people begin a relationship only because they feel that the other person is beautiful, cute, or fun to pass time with. Majority of the relationships become intense and sexual. Breakup ensues as there is no commitment in the relationship, and this goes on for a few more times. On an average, a person, before he or she is married, has experienced sexual relationships and the emotional trauma of braking up so many times that he feels as if he has already been divorced several times.

Summary

The answer to this dilemma lies in exercising self control and approaching relationships with a different intent and purpose. Courtship is much better than dating (read mating) and returning to this age old practice of finding a suitable partner for oneself is the answer to all ills the younger generation is facing today.

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