Dating
Overview
About Dating
In dating, romantic relationship habits begin to form. Dating can change how people view commitment, boundaries, and expectations of sex. There are entire industries around matchmaking and online dating, but the end goal varies: casual sex, cohabitation, long-term relationships, and marriage. With the average age of marriage in the U.S. at 28-30 years old, the window of dating is lengthening and beginning earlier and earlier.
Research shows that choices made during the dating phase have a lasting impact on relationship health. The younger an individual engages in sexual intercourse, the more sexual partners they are likely to have prior to marriage. During this phase of relationships, intent and goals are critical to lasting fulfillment and stability.1
1Bush, Freda McKissic, and Joe S. McIlhaney. Hooked: New Science on How Casual Sex Is Affecting Our Children. Chicago, Moody Publishers, 2008.
Where the
Research Leads
What You Can Do
Support policies and programs that promote healthy relationship practices and public health initiatives that frame dating as a step toward stable marriages and families.
Use the K-12 Sex Education Standards to clearly define consent and instill behavioral standards for students to apply in a relationship.
Encourage open dialogue with your children. Prepare for a series of conversations to start discussing if your child is ready for dating.
Provide environments where young adults can be taught the impact of their dating choices and importance of long-term goals for relationships.
Further Reading
