Dating is when two people start spending time together doing activities and getting to know each other.
Dating can help you DECIDE if you want to be a boyfriend or girlfriend to that person. This may take weeks or even months, depending on the couple.
When you have gone on a few dates with someone, you MAY start to have romantic feelings for that person, instead of just friendly feelings. If you do NOT feel this way, perhaps this is NOT the right person to keep dating.
After dating for a while, a couple may decide to commit to each other.
They usually call each other boyfriend or girlfriend when they decide to date only each other.
Over time this might lead to a long-term relationship, marriage or a life-long commitment. Remember, there is no rush to go quickly. It usually takes a LONG time to get to know a person well enough to make such a big commitment to them!
