Date Night Vs. Hanging Out: With changing times, evolving technology, and an advanced generation, everything else around us seems to be changing. The dating world also seems to be changing for the better or worse, depending on how you look at it. The nature of relationships and dating is alternating, which leaves many asking themselves some tough questions.
Today, it is not easy to tell the difference between a date night vs hanging out with a friend with whom you spend most of the time. Back in the day, things were straightforward. You would determine whether you are going out on a romantic date night or just hanging out with a friend for fun. Hanging out has become a common term today that often covers casual relationships.
Some people define dating as two people having a deeper commitment with a common goal of having a romantic relationship. But what is the difference between hanging out and dating today or what is Date Night vs. Hanging Out?
Date Night Vs. Hanging Out: What is a date night?
With the evolving technology, dating websites and apps are cropping up daily. Dating is becoming more and more accessible.
Dating is basically a stage of a romantic relationship whereby two people meet socially, with the intention to marry or get into an intimate relationship. While dating, the parties involved assess the other person’s suitability to become their mate. Therefore, a date night is going out with a person that you wish to know more about to make them your partner.
That means there must be an intention to test compatibility to see whether they can become the perfect partner. That is the main difference between a date night and hanging out. In hanging out, there is no intention of having a romantic relationship or marriage plans.
Understand that dating can change across generations and locations. Others say it is simply courtship that involves various activities done by couples. Though there are several definitions of dating, it all funnels to consideration of a partner. So, a date night would be an occasion where two people try to find out whether they are sexually or romantically compatible.
Hanging out
Hanging out is more casual compared to a date night. It refers to spending time with someone you are physically attracted to but not necessarily looking to make them your relationship partner. Hanging out, also called casual dating, focuses on ephemeral fun, while a date night focuses on creating a future together in a relationship. Understanding these two phrases is essential, especially in the world we live in today.
Hanging out is casual dating and courtship. Those well-versed in social anthropology believe that hanging out primarily emerged in the middle of the 20th century. It is attributed to lifestyle changes such as changing female roles, loosened social mores, and people’s desire to stay connected with family members.
There are two types of hanging out; casual hangouts and committed hangouts. Casual hanging out can be short-term or long-term, while committed hangouts are longer-term than casual hangouts. Both may involve sexual activity, but casual hangouts do not necessarily mean sex is involved, although it may depend on the situation. It means people may ask for a date for a night or spend time together without any intention of forming a relationship with each other.
The reasons for hanging out vary significantly from person to person but usually revolve around meeting someone new and engaging in fun activities. However, there are no intentions of making them your partner or spouse. Additionally, there are specific rules that need to be followed when doing so though without any intention of getting into a relationship.
Date Night Vs. Hanging Out: What are the signs of a romantic date night?
Date Night Vs. Hanging Out: Since not many can differentiate today whether they are on a date night or simply hanging out with another person, you ought to know how to differentiate these two. Below are the signs that you are on a romantic date:
When the date is just for the two of you. It is probably a romantic date if you find yourself and your crush only on the dinner date. Most romantic dates will have just the two of you. However, if you find out you are headed out for lunch but with a group of other people, then it is just hanging out. Even though they may be attracted to you, they are not looking for an opportunity to make you their lifetime partner.
When there is a point of physical intimacy. According to Dr. Neil Clark Warren, a relationship expert, the two of you should be touching each other on at least one occasion during the night.
That may occur when hugging, holding hands, or kissing each other on their cheeks or nose. If you constantly put your hand around them to hold on to them for long periods with only quick glances between you and them, then it may be a romantic date.
No phones – meaning you are the center of attraction. If you find your significant other not scrolling their social media pages every five minutes, you are special to them. It means they are not just into material things and are more interested in you as a person. You can consider that as a date and not just a regular hangout. In ordinary hangouts, expect the other person to concentrate on several things without you being the center of attraction.
Level of preparation. The level of preparation will easily tell you whether this is a romantic date night or hanging out. A high level of preparation means that they value you as a person, and thus, they put in every effort to make you feel special. That means this individual sees you as a potential partner and would love to explore their options with you. They are looking at you from a dating perspective to make you their partner. Do not expect it to be a casual hang-out if top-notch preparations are in play.
Conclusion: Date Night Vs. Hanging Out
As much as dating is changing in scope, strive to understand today’s two common terms. Understand what people mean when they talk about date night vs hanging out. Luckily with this article in place, you will better understand a date night and what it may look like when you are just hanging out. After all, communication is key. If you feel someone romantically, it is much better to let it off your chest and let them know. Ask them out for a date night and make sure they know it is a romantic dinner date and not a casual hangout.
Read interview of Dr. Neil to know more about date night vs. hanging out.
