There is dating and then there is dating.  Not all are created equal or have the same weight. There was a time when the first date was used to really impress each other. How great of a dinner reservation could one get, how big of a bouquet of flowers could one afford, or how much to spend on that new dress, makeup, shoes, hairdos or other items.

First dates today differ, since meeting someone may not be the same as the past. Some still meet in person by chance encounter, some are introduced by friends or family, or set up by family or friends, yet many are only introduced to each other through the Internet with a short dating profile and a couple of the best pictures one has ever taken of themselves. Reality is on hold until it sinks in, in-person. It can be a cold hard reality or a pleasant surprise.  Some people know right away if they like the other person, for others it takes time. Most are really nervous and need a little run time or some previous practice runs.

Again, first dates can and probably should vary, based upon how you met and what you actually know about each other at the time you meet. It could also differ based upon the stage of life you are in and what your future or past looks like.  Are you looking for a life partner or a fun night out? 

If you have met in person previously or have been introduced by someone, maybe a more involved first date makes sense. The results of this date will become public information for friends and family so you will have to represent and possibly really try to impress your guest.  If you met online and liked the short profile and pic(s), and maybe the short pithy conversation you had via chat, you will want to more quickly meet that someone in-person in order to really gauge if you truly have an interest or if it is just friends for the two or you or possibly it’s just physical. Some may call the latter condition a meetup vs. an actual date.  Dating goes beyond first dates and courting a person for marriage or continuing to have date nights while married helps to keep the relationship strong.  Deeper into a relationship, regular connections and/re-connections help keep the relationship bond solid. Dating can be extremely beneficial in keeping romance alive. A regular practice of going on dates can be a great way to keep the romance alive. Lack of romance is seen as a common reason for breakups or divorce.

For this blog/column we will try to specify if this is a first impression meeting or a more qualified one when making recommendations.