History of dating practices in the u s

Often following the betrothal were a few weeks to a few years of courting or dating.In some cases, however, the first meeting of the couple might be the very day of the wedding.How else would a young man and a young woman, meeting perhaps for the first time at the betrothal ceremony, get to know each other?The betrothal could consist of a simple announcement, much like an engagement party, or something more complex like a partial marriage ceremony with the exchange of rings, a ceremonial kiss and a meal.

The door opens and he is ushered into a large, well-furnished room.

The natural alternative today is a group outing with less stress, less emotional attachment and still enough time to chat and compare personalities.) A date, if approached with the wrong attitude, is reckless frivolity, while courting aims at marriage.

A date with history The history of dating is based on old-fashioned courtship, which itself developed in a variety of ways from the traditional arranged marriages of much of human history.

Courting wasn’t something young people did merely for a good time; it was a serious family business proposition.

Surprisingly, the main players in the marriage process often weren’t just the bride and groom; they were the parents of the bride and groom.