90%的人不知道：dating一词有多暧昧
明天就是情人节了，今天推送跟“爱情”相关的文字！毕竟，这依然是一个英语学习的公众号。
今天谈一下“dating”一词的暧昧之处，先看英文释义。
Dating is a stage of romantic relationships in humans whereby two people meet socially with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a prospective partner in an intimate relationship or marriage.
It is a form of courtship, consisting of social activities done by the couple, either alone or with others. The protocols and practices of dating, and the terms used to describe it, vary considerably from country to country and over time.
courtship n. 求爱期
protocol n. 礼仪
While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two people exploring whether they are romantically or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other.
With the use of modern technology, people can date via telephone or computer or meet in person.
Dating may also involve two or more people who have already decided that they share romantic or sexual feelings toward each other. These people will have dates on a regular basis, and they may or may not be having sexual relations. This period of courtship is sometimes seen as a precursor to engagement.
precursor n. 准备期；前奏
没看懂？捏捏自己的大脸，再读一遍吧！
接下来，还是由我来讲讲英文中“dating”一次的暧昧之处吧。
多数中国（或东方文化）情侣的发展关系应该是这样的：有好感、勾搭、相互暧昧、确定情侣关系、从kiss发展到sexual之类的亲密接触……
当然，不否认有人的恋爱是逆向的：先有了一次419或几次亲密接触，觉得不仅身体合啪、三观也合啪，然后就在一起了。
然后，再看dating一词的释义中的一句话：While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two people exploring whether they are romantically or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other.
如果你看不懂，我大概解释一下：尽管dating这个词有多个含义，但最最常见的用法指的是两个人（注意不是情侣，是两个人）通过dating的方式来确定双方是否情感或性关系中合啪。
还是没搞明白？
说简单点：身处dating关系之中的两个人比普通朋友多了一层暧昧，因为他们除了纯洁的友谊，还可能有身体上的友谊，但不是情侣。
也就是说，如果你是个女孩，你告诉自己的闺蜜：“I am dating with Mike.” 你的闺蜜可能认为你和Mike已经有过sexual relationship了，但你们还是未确定情侣关系。
此时，如果你的闺蜜也和Mike有了sexual relationship， 你要不要去棒打鸳呢？答案是否定的，因为你和Mike不是情侣，但也不是PY。
我猜，90%的人不知道dating一词的暧昧，而你属于90%还是10%？
Finally, my suggestion is that you should be clear about what you want befor you start a dating.
When you think about dating, what do you think about? Do you just want to dip your toes in the dating pool and have some flirty fun? Are you looking for a hookup? Or are you interested in a committed relationship? Being clear with what you’re seeking on the dating scene will help narrow the field and allow you and potential dates to be on the same page.
However, finding a perfect match is positive, and so it is till worhty trying.
Finding a perfect match isn’t about merely seeking someone who looks like Leonardo DiCaprio or Ariana Grande. It also isn’t about money or what they do for a living. When it comes to compatibility and what makes a relationship thrive,you want to look for a person who embodies the qualities that makes you feel connected and inspired, and who essentially brings out the best in you.