dating
/ˈdeɪ.tɪŋ/
NOUN
1. Romantic courtship and relationships
A form of romantic courtship typically between two individuals with the aim of assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or as a spouse.
1.1. Romantic courtship
The process of getting to know someone romantically through meetings and activities intended to develop a potential relationship.
Synonyms
- courtship
- romance
- wooing
- courting
- going out
- seeing
- sparking
- keeping company
Examples
- Dating allows people to meet new individuals and explore their compatibility.
- Online dating has changed how people find potential romantic partners.
Related Words
- affair
- engagement
- betrothal
- love affair
- lovemaking
NOUN
2. Determining the age of something
An estimation of the age of an artifact, biological vestige, linguistic usage, or other object.
2.1. Scientific age determination
The process of estimating or establishing the age of archaeological artifacts, biological remains, or other materials through scientific methods.
Synonyms
- carbon dating
- carbon-14 dating
- radiocarbon dating
- radiometric dating
- half-life dating
- dendrochronology
- thermoluminescence
Examples
- Dating of the ancient remains helped researchers establish when the settlement existed.
- Radiocarbon dating is commonly used to estimate the age of archaeological materials.
Related Words
- chronology
- archaeology
- age estimation
- carbon analysis
NOUN
3. Scheduling an event or transaction
The setting of a date on which an event or transaction is to take place or take effect.
3.1. Setting a date for an event
The act of determining or arranging the specific date when an event, appointment, or transaction will occur.
Synonyms
- scheduling
- arranging
- fixing
- setting
Examples
- The dating of the conference was postponed because several speakers were unavailable.
- The committee discussed the dating of the next annual meeting.
Related Words
- planning
- appointment
- calendar
- engagement
VERB
4. Recording or specifying a date
To note the time or place of writing or executing something, or to express in an instrument the time of its execution.
4.1. Marking documents with dates
Writing or recording the date on a document, agreement, or other written item to indicate when it was created or executed.
Synonyms
- marking
- recording
- timestamping
- inscribing
Examples
- The lawyer is dating the documents before submitting them.
- Dating each letter helps the archivist organize the collection chronologically.
Related Words
- signing
- registering
- documenting
- annotating
4.2. Assigning a date to an event
Determining, fixing, or specifying the time when an event or activity is scheduled to take place.
Synonyms
- scheduling
- fixing
- setting
- arranging
Examples
- The organizers are dating the ceremony for the following Saturday.
- The committee is dating the next meeting for early December.
Related Words
- planning
- organizing
- appointing
- coordinating
VERB
5. Determining the age of something
To determine the age of something.
5.1. Estimating the age of artifacts and remains
Determining or estimating how old an artifact, biological remain, or other material is through scientific examination or analysis.
Synonyms
- aging
- carbon dating
- radiocarbon dating
- radiometric dating
- dendrochronology
Examples
- Researchers are dating the ancient pottery using scientific techniques.
- Scientists are dating the fossils to determine their approximate age.
Related Words
- analyzing
- examining
- authenticating
- chronology
VERB
6. Engaging in romantic relationships
To take someone on a date or a series of dates, or to have a steady romantic relationship with someone.
6.1. Going out with someone romantically
Spending time with someone through planned social or romantic outings, usually to explore mutual attraction and compatibility.
Synonyms
- courting
- wooing
- going out
- seeing
- taking out
- romancing
- gallanting
- escorting
Examples
- She is dating someone she met at university.
- They have been dating for several months.
Related Words
- accompanying
- attending
- sparking
- courtship
6.2. Maintaining a steady romantic relationship
Being romantically involved with someone over a period of time or maintaining an ongoing relationship.
Synonyms
- going steady
- keeping company
- going out
- seeing
- courting
Examples
- They are dating and have been together for three years.
- The couple has been dating since their university days.
Related Words
- romancing
- wooing
- courtship
- engagement
VERB
7. Becoming old or outdated
To make or become old, especially in such a way as to fall out of fashion or become less appealing or attractive.
7.1. Losing fashionable appeal
Gradually becoming old-fashioned, less attractive, or less relevant as styles, tastes, and trends change.
Synonyms
- aging
- growing old
- becoming outdated
- obsolescing
- antiquating
Antonyms
- modernizing
- updating
- refreshing
- renewing
Examples
- Some fashion trends are dating quickly as new styles become popular.
- The design is dating and gradually losing its modern appeal.
Related Words
- obsolescence
- old-fashionedness
- outmodedness
- deterioration
VERB
8. Originating or beginning at a particular time
To have a beginning; to begin; to be dated or reckoned from a particular period.
8.1. Tracing origins to a historical period
Having originated, begun, or existed from a particular time in the past.
Synonyms
- originating
- beginning
- stemming
- deriving
Examples
- The tradition is dating from the early nineteenth century.
- The building is dating back to the medieval period.
Related Words
- tracing back
- coming from
- arising
- historical