Why Dating is Better Than Hanging-Out

You have heard of LOL and BRB.  But what about DTR?  Do you know what that stands for?

DTR means "define the relationship."  Usually when two people have been dating each other for a period of time, they come to a point in the relationship when both of them or one of them wants to define or determine exactly what type of relationship they are in.  Are they friends?  Do they date other people?  Are they boyfriend and girlfriend?

In today's culture most couples just "hang out" rather than dating.  So is dating dead?   A Latter-Day Saint youth in England believes so.  He stated, “In England, the dating of my generation has become ridiculous. Here if someone asks ‘Will you go out with me?’ it really means ‘Will you be my boy/girlfriend?’ And if the answer is yes then you are boyfriend and girlfriend. It completely skips the period of getting to know each other!”  That is what is known as the "instacouple phenomenon.   

Hanging out implies a more casual relationship.  There's not a real commitment.  There's no need to put much effort into a relationship where you don't really have to impress anyone.  "Hanging-out" is popular because of the trend to put off marriage and adult responsibilities.  

 In the Strength of the Youth pamphlet published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, it says:

"A date is a planned activity that allows a young man and a young woman to get to know each other better. In cultures where dating is acceptable, it can help you learn and practice social skills, develop friendships, have wholesome fun, and eventually find an eternal companion." 

Dating has definite benefits over "hanging out!"  For one thing, dating is fun!!

•  You get to develop social skills 
•  It gives you something to look forward to
•  You have the ability to "shop around" taking a serious evaluation of the prospects

Click on the video to see what Latter-Day Saint youth have to say about the benefits of dating.

Why is dating and courtship important in your young adult years?  While hanging out is easy and there is not much effort put into it, dating offers the ability to get to know a variety of people

"As you enter your adult years, make dating and marriage a high priority. Seek a companion who is worthy to go to the temple to be sealed to you for time and all eternity. Marrying in the temple and creating an eternal family are essential in God’s plan of happiness."
from Strength of the Youth pamphlet