YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . .

What is Dating?

'We're not dating. We're just friends,' many youths claim, even though they are spending a lot of time with someone of the opposite sex. But whatever you call it-dating, going together, or just seeing each other-when a boy and a girl single each other out and start spending time together socially, more than friendship is usually involved. And dating does not have to be in person. Discussions in Internet chat rooms, on the telephone, through the mall, or by E-mail can also be forms of dating.

The question is.  Just how serious is it to spend time almost exclusively with someone of the opposite sex? 

Dating-The Dangers

At Proverbs 30:19, the Bible speaks of "the way of an able-bodied man and a maiden." This expression suggests that male female relationships tend to follow a pattern.  When both parties are mature and hold to godly morals, dating can lead to love and, eventually, to honorable marriage. After all, God created man and woman to be attracted to each other. But what if you are not old enough to handle marriage? By dating prematurely, you are setting yourself up for a fall. 

Why? Because if you spend a lot of time around someone of the opposite sex, it is only natural that your emotions will become aroused. Before you realize it, you look forward to seeing that one. When you are not together, you find yourself thinking about him or her. All too often, though, the feelings are one-sided-and someone gets a broken heart. And even when the feelings are mutual, frustration and heart-break still result when one or the other is not mature enough or old enough to get married.  Really, where can such a relationship go?  A Bible proverb says: "Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned?" -Proverbs 6:27.

Next time: Conclusion of YOUNG PEOPLE ASK . . .Dating-The Dangers

From the AWAKE! magazine, 2001