The History of Dating

The History of Dating

2 Timothy 2:22

Dating has become one of the most dangerous activities a young person can be involved in. How was dating done throughout history? Is dating any different than it was centuries ago? Today, we take a look at the history of dating.

I. Dating in Colonial times

A. In colonial times, dating was referred to as courtship.

1. Courtship was was usually confined to the parlor of the female's family.

2. Most relationships and communities were built around the church, which encouraged
purity.

B. Love was something that developed after marriage, it was not romantic!

II. Dating between 1840's-1900's

A. Courtship became a formal activity, and chaperons were required.

B. Romantic love was beginning to be viewed as the primary reason for marriage.

C. Women began to test their potential mate by faking illness, or breaking off the
relationship to test the man's commitment.

D. Purity was still important!

III. Dating in the early 1900's

A. Courtship begins to evolve into dating.

1. Poorer families whose house was not large enough for a parlor, began to court in
public places.

2. The wealthy followed this trend, and "going somewhere" became the norm.

B. The popular dates were dancing and movies. (These activities required money, making
the boys with more money more likely to get a date.)

C. Chaperons were not considered necessary in public.

IV. Mid 1900's to Present

A. Dating is becoming the normal activity for young people.

1. Dating was considered a way to get to know someone.

2. Dating is becoming "casual" and not for marriage.

B. The widespread ownership of automobiles changed dating.

1. Automobiles helped young people escape the public scene.

2. Physical contact in dating becomes the popular thing

C. Purity slowly loses importance.

1. Physical contact is accepted as long as the couple was "pure."

2. Purity is no longer the norm, and is now very rare.

V. Conclusion:

A. Dating/ Courtship have changed drastically through the years!

B. Despite societies preferences, PURITY IS IMPORTANT! ( Col. 3:5, Eph. 5:3)