First date (meeting)

A first date is any type of initial meeting between two individuals, whether or not previously acquainted, where an effort is made to ask, plan, and organize some sort of social activity. Dating can vary between cultures, lifestyles, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

In many countries and cultures, it is the process that romantic relationships are developed and future spouses are found. Often, people are set up on dates by their friends, or they meet the individual at work, a party, in class or online.

The purpose of a first date is the same as the purpose of any date. Because they often set the tone for the relationship, first dates are highly important. As the study by Mary Claire Morr Serewicz of the Department of Human Communication Studies at the University of Denver, and Paul Mongeau of Arizona State University, states that first dates "represent an important early event in the development of dating relationship."

Mongeau's research shows that the term "date" can be condensed into four subcategories:

1. Dyadic: The purpose to which the date is occurring between two individuals.

2. Date cycle: Includes the major behavior components of a date.

3. Positive interaction expectancies: Implies that dates allow each other a chance to get to know one another in a comfortable environment.

4. Sexual overtones: Refers to the part of the date where romantic relationships may develop and/or include sexual attraction or expectation.

These components are the basis of a date, making up its structure and providing the involved a starting place from which to begin the dating process.

In the 2004 study done by Mongeau, he quotes Roscoe, who identifies six purposes for dating:

• Recreation (to have fun)

• Socialization (to get to know the partner)

• Status grading (increasing social status by dating an attractive partner)

• Companionship (finding a friend to do things with)

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