Dating has changed so much just since I was in high school in the 1970s. I never truly liked having to pursue someone I was interested in getting know, but it is something that had to be done, for God made it plain that Adam should not be alone and thus made Eve.
In the ‘70s you had schools to get to meet someone or events. Now we have internet dating sites or even matchmaking services. You have a profile that someone reads, your picture for him or her to look at. Then the courage needed to type a message saying, “Hey you want to chat” or something like that.
Then you chat, through either e-mails or instant messaging, or texting each other on your phones. You get a feeling on how that person thinks feels and believes. Then you talk on the phone and see how each other sounds responds in a one on one conversation and see if they hold up.
Then you meet in person for the first time. Is this a first date? I mean really. Think on that. What if you felt really comfortable with the person you had been chatting with? What if to you they were beautiful or handsome in the picture they had presented for the world to see?
You meet them in person and they are looking great to you. You enjoy a drink, or a meal, or a walk in park or mall. Is this really the first date? You feel you know them. You enjoy their company. You see nothing negative. You see they have been honest with you and they see you have been honest with them. Is this really the first date?
In the movie “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne. He is an Americanized Irishman that is confronted with the dating practices of rural Ireland at the time the movie is made in the 1930s. In the movie they list different events that will take place a month at a time, but it all boiled down to seeing if you were compatible. Meaning shared the same likes, enjoyed the company of the other person, and mainly if you see God’s hand was present in the match between you.
Now days all that should truly matter is God’s approval. I can honestly say that was not present in my previous long-term relationships. The first time due to both being too young. The second due to deception taking place from the other side.
I guess it really does not matter what you call a first date, but I can say it is best not to rush. Why? To avoid the chance of deception. It is also important to be very honest. However, this brings up a point. How can you check the honestly of someone? I do not even have an idea how to answer that question myself. Go with your gut, which is where you know God will lead you from.
Be sure how you feel. Be sure how they feel. See if being with that other person makes you feel right. What is more important is making sure that it is a type of relationship God supports. If God calls it a sin in the Bible, it is a sin. This means it is wrong. The Bible also said to those that have been married before, that it would be best to stay single, but if you could not go without those actions that are called blessed within a marriage, but a sin outside of marriage it would be better for you to remarry so you would not live in sin.
So do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. Pray and ask for His support and favor, and it will be a blessed relationship.