College and university dating

College dating refers to the act of seeking out and maintaining romantic relationships in the university setting. These relationships are characterized by a focus on sexual activity, social interactions distinct from those of singles, and an informal structure. There is also a strong focus on seeking out casual and short-term relationships as opposed to a search for long-term, marriageable mates. There are, however, segments of the college-age population that actively look for long-term relationships, especially those nearing the upper limits of the age range.

History of college dating

Courtship in the U.S. has changed vastly since the end of the 18th century. It has shifted from a focus on finding a mate suitable for marriage to a search for a perfect romantic match that may or may not lead to marriage.

For decades, the primary method of courtship consisted of tightly monitored meetings between the prospective lovers. This is typified in the idea of "receiving a caller." The man would go to the house of a woman he wanted to court, and would give the person who answered the door his calling card. He would then arrange an appointment with her parents where he could speak to her. Typically, the man would be received in the front parlor, where the family could present a suitable display of prosperity and decorum. Under parental supervision, the prospective lovers would talk and get to know one another. This could go on for months until it became acceptable for them to go out in a similarly supervised setting. The goal of this procedure was to find a marriageable mate.

Distinctions from other types of dating

Relationships open a new door in the dating world for college students since their lives offer more freedom without as much free time as they had in high school. College students are much more likely to hookup than be involved in a relationship than younger students. Young adults are more inclined to make out not just for the thrill of it but because they do not have the time for a full commitment relationship. Between work, studying, and hanging out with friends, students do not always have the time to squeeze dating into their schedules. However, they still want the excitement of bring intimate without the responsibility of a boyfriend or girlfriend.

This new take on traditional relationships boomed with college kids because they have the option of where and what they want to do with their date for the evening, without being forced to have to stay at the movie theater or go somewhere public such as the mall as many did in high school. Some argue that this form of dating is better than the more traditional route: it doesn't cost as much money, it allows for more of a focus on school and potential careers, and it will not lead to marriages that might fail. It allows students to get to know their peers better rather than just dating one individual and not getting to know others.

Further reading

• Boland, Thomas Bernard (1973). A social skills assessment of non-dating college males. University of Wisconsin--Madison.
• Christensen, Andrew (1973). Practice and feedback as treatment for college dating problems. Oregon.
• Comins, Catherine Anne (1984). Violence between college dating partners: incidence and contributing factors. Auburn University. OCLC 11545461.
• Crossman, Leslie Louise (1988). Date rape and sexual aggression in college dating situations: incidence and the role of aggression, hostility and assertiveness in males and females. Stephen F. Austin State University.
• Foresman, Ethel (1982). Heterosexual college dating behavior. Northern Illinois University.
• Larossa, Virginia S. (1988). College dating: behaviors and current sexual norms as a function of selected characteristics. Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania.