19th Century:

• Wasn’t called dating until 1896 (originally called courtship)
• All about marriage, but never really about love
• Pre-arranged by parents
• Proper first dates would be a gentleman caller to the home of woman
• Chaperoned during these visits
• Parents let serious couples be alone at times
• These meetings will continue until interest is reached
• Proposal will be offered
• Spouse must be beneficial (status, money, etc.)

Fun Fact: People who wore makeup (Known as ‘painted faces’) were typically actresses and prostitutes. Most women did not wear any makeup, since a natural look represented clean living.

Early 1900s:

• Started meeting in public (men bought women food, gifts, etc.)
• Going out was the best way to get privacy
• Consumer goods became a big part of dating
• Buying food and such became a way to determine if partner is compatible (share common interests)
• Fashion is also now a big part of dating for women

Fun Fact: Men and women going out on dates in public was a new concept at this time, so police were not sure what to think of it. They believed something sinister was occurring, so many women were arrested because of this.  

1920s-30s:

• No parental supervision
• Chose activities for dates, based on what they preferred
• Popular choices included:
  • Going to a dance
  • Going to an amusement park
  • Driving in a fast car
  • Attending a movie
• Dating multiple people became common

1940s-50s:

• During World War II, many men were drafted into the army, so finding a man to date became tricky
• If drafted, the two would promise of a relationship upon their return
• Term ‘going steady’ was created, solidified by a class ring or letterman jacket
• First dates typically happened after a guy called a girl on the phone
• Guy tries to charm the girl
• A lot of getting to know each other
• Any money spent was spent by the guy (custom)
• If first date did not go well, there was always another opportunity with someone else

1960s-70s:

• Pre-dating etiquette was less restrictive
• Affairs were common
• 1962 book published: ‘Sex and the Single Girl’ by Helen Gurley Brown
• Inspired girls to be more adventurous
• First dates to amusement parks a thing of the past

Fun Fact: At this point in time, the ‘Biological Clock’ panic appeared. This means that there were now expectations on when to marry and when to have children. This added a lot of stress when dating.  

1980s-90s:

• Term ‘hooking up’ was created
• More about getting together and seeing what happens
• Girls seeked more attention from men
• Confusion on whether to date at all

Today:

• Mix of ‘hooking up’ and formal dates
• Texting a major role in dating, learned more about the person through texting than face-to-face
• More casual
• All up to what the person wants, whether it be for status or for love

Fun Fact: Couples typically wait six-eight dates before announcing that they are in a exclusive relationship. However, the most common time for a couple to break up is three-five months into a relationship.