新视野大学英语视听说教程 2 Unit 3-12

（单词翻译）

Dating
Before marriage, younger Americans date each other, that is, they often go out together. Casual¹ dating usually begins in the early teens, and in the late teens a pattern of steady dating develops. There is a great possibility that one goes to a dance with one person, to a football game with another, and to a picnic with a third. Sometimes two couples go out together. This is known as “double dating.” Group dating is also popular among young people. Large groups of boys and girls may go around together. Young people may go out together for a long time, which is, in effect, a public statement of their intention to marry. Men and women go out together a great deal, especially those in cities. This is “adult dating.” They ski together, dine² together, either at restaurants or in each other’s homes. The American dating system is a rather casual one. Often young Americans who hardly know each other go out on dates. It is also acceptable³ for them to arrange a “blind date”, that is, a date between two young people who have not met before.

Dating                      Description

Causal dating                            Early teens

Steady dating                            Late teens

Many partners                           e.g. a dance, a game, a picnic

Double dating                           Two couples

Group dating                            Large groups

Go out for a long period                   Intention to marry

Adult dating                            Men and women.e.g.ski, work, dine together

Casual dating system                     Those who hardly know each other

Blind dating                            Those who have never met before