Casual dating has become increasingly popular as a way to meet and form relationships with others over the last few decades.
There are a few things to consider before choosing to date casually, but make sure to decide if casual dating is right for you and your lifestyle.
What is Casual Dating?
Casual dating tends to have a loose definition.
To some people, casual dating is a very general term, implying a person can see whoever they want as frequently or infrequently as they choose. This means a person could go on a date every night of the week with a different individual without taking anything too seriously.
To others, casual dating means occasionally going out on a date when they feel like it, but dating isn’t necessarily a big concern for them.
A casual date could simply be a Saturday night with dinner and a movie, and the pair may or may not decide to go on any more dates in the future.
Casual dating can also mean dating one individual, without allowing the relationship to become too serious. This could mean a couple goes on a date about once a week, but, otherwise, each person lives their regular day-to-day lives without concerning themselves with a relationship.
This couple could be faithful to each other, but there’s usually no discussion of furthering the relationship, like moving in together or meeting family members. After taking a deeper consideration of your wants and needs, it will ultimately be up to you to decide what casual dating means to you.
There are a few ways you can try casual dating. There are many events and apps created exactly for that purpose: to introduce two people together who are looking for companionship without a serious relationship attached to it.
Check your local area for events hosting single people. Many event companies host parties and outings for singles who want to have a good time together and meet someone new.
There is also speed dating, which involves many people meeting each other, one at a time, within sixty-second periods. This type of dating allows a person to meet several others in one night so they can decide who they would like to go on a date with.
There are also dating apps, the most popular being Tinder, which is intended for individuals to quickly search through profiles and photos to decide who they might like to go on a date with. Tinder is a common way for people to quickly meet for a date and understand each other’s intentions right away. Choose the best dating style that works for you. You may even want to casually date the old-fashioned way by just asking someone you know out for the evening!
Dating sites can vary significantly in terms of features, user base, and pricing, so make sure to research different platforms to choose the right one that aligns with your needs and preferences. In terms of pricing, some dating apps are free to use, while others offer a free version with the option to upgrade to a paid membership for added features and benefits. By simply searching for phrases like “how much does eHarmony cost” or “Match price” you can learn about the subscription terms and make an informed decision.
What are the Pros of Casual Dating?
Casual dating can come with many benefits, especially if you’re not interested in a serious relationship. Casual dating is the happy middle-ground between surrounding yourself with good company and being able to focus on your personal life.
For instance, you may be very career-focused, and you have to spend a lot of your time at the office. You have very little time for socializing, but even you need a Friday night to break loose and have a little fun. Maybe you’re busy with going to school every day and working a part-time job, but you love to grab a drink and sing a little karaoke on Saturdays. Casual dating is the perfect way to go on a date but still be able to focus on your personal, long term goals.
Perhaps you are the type of person who knows you’re not interested in getting married or starting a family. You love being close to others, but you don’t want anyone who may want marriage or a family to be disappointed.
Don’t worry; there are many others who feel the same way you do. It is completely acceptable to never want to get married and still date! Casual dating is a good way to find the right person for you that has similar goals and needs.
What are the Cons of Casual Dating?
There are some downsides to casual dating that may make you realize that this dating style isn’t for you.
Casual dating can be a little hectic; there is always someone new you have to get to know, and it can get exhausting. When you date someone new every week, for example, you have to ask the same types of questions over and over again: “What do you like to do?” “What do you do for a living?” “Do you like dogs or cats?” The repetitiveness of casual dating can become tedious.
Sometimes, you may even be left a little disappointed if you continue to meet and date people that you end up not liking very much. While some may find excitement in meeting someone new every week, you may find it more exhausting.
The other downside of casual dating may seem a little obvious: you won’t have a serious relationship. While it’s entirely possible that while you casually date, you may meet someone whom you decide to establish a committed, long term relationship with; but, for most people, casual dating is a repetitive cycle of new partners. For some, this leaves a void or feeling of unsatisfaction.
A lack of a serious relationship means there’s a lack of a deeper connection between two people. Some like this distance, but others may be left feeling wanting for something more. These are important thoughts to consider when casual dating.
Is Casual Dating “Slutty”?
To be perfectly clear: no, casual dating is not slutty.
First of all, this is not the 1950s, and no person should be looked down upon because they like to meet new people and go on dates.
Second of all, you are in charge of your own life, and no other person is allowed to tell you how to date or who to date.
The important thing to remember is to always be clear about your intentions with another person. If you only want to casually date someone you’ve met, make sure to tell them instead of leading them to believe you want a serious relationship.
Some people don’t like the idea of casual dating, and they consider it “slutty”. Casual dating can make some people very uncomfortable because they don’t want to be physical and intimate with multiple people. Some may also consider casual dating “slutty” based on their religion or family upbringing. Casual dating, simply put, is not for these types of people, and that’s okay! Not everyone has to date casually. Choose the type of dating that is right for you and makes you feel comfortable; there are other people in the world just like you.
It’s clear to see that casual dating has many facets to it. When it comes to casual dating, the most important thing to consider is your wants and needs and then finding another person who shares similar ideals. There are many ups and downs to consider, but casual dating may be a great way to determine what type of relationship you’re looking for. Happy dating!
