Remembering the Dating Game, Famous Contestants!

Although one can look back on the "History of
Dating" and conclude that Traditions and Customs have changed
with the times, there still remains some common "dating"
consistencies that have lasted throughout the ages.

In many cultural traditions, dates are arranged by a third party,
who may be a family member, an acquaintance, or a dedicated
matchmaker. Recently

matchmaking services have become
popular. Although dating rules in Western

popular culture have become more
relaxed during the 20th century, there is considerable variation
between individuals'

values. For example, when the
activity costs money, it has traditionally been the man's role to
pay; in recent times the practice of "going
Dutch" (splitting the expenses) has emerged. Traditional
dating activities include sharing entertainment or a meal. In
general, a person may date many different partners during the same
time period in order to have the best chance of finding their most
suitable available mate.

2. "Double date" is when two couples meet for an activity.

3.Group date: an activity shared by two or more couples.

4.The "dreaded"

Blind date: a date where the
participants have not met or seen each other personally before.
Traditionally blind dates have been ridiculed in popular culture
because of the "shot in the dark" aspects of finding a suitable
long-term relationship with someone who is a complete stranger.

Online dating: Instead of
using a traditional matchmaker, online dating uses
specifically targeted websites to meet new people.

Speed dating: Where a group
of people get together for several hours in a public place
to get to know one another better. At one of these speed
dating events, each person usually sits with another single
member for a set period of time to get to know them better,
and then at the predetermined time is asked to move and sit
with someone else to repeat the process.

Mobile dating/cell phone
dating: Where text messages to and from a mobile/cell phone
carrier are used to show interest in others on the system.
Can be web-based or online dating as well depending on the
company.

Virtual dating: A
combination of video game playing and dating, where users
create

avatars and spend time in
virtual worlds in an attempt to meet other avatars with the
purpose of meeting for potential dates.

Singles Events: Where a
group of singles are brought together to take part in
various events for the purposes of meeting new people.
Events can include such things as parties, workshops and
games.

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