Abstract

Little research has examined what dating consists of in regard to activities on a date and how women define a date. In this preliminary study, 20 female undergraduates, predominately Caucasian, from a mid-sized south eastern university, took part in both written format and in a focus group discussion on dating topics including sexual experiences, how women view dating, why they date, and how they define a date. Results show that women believe men should be the initiators in a dating situation and should also pay expenses until a relationship has begun. Women were also found to have very strict regulations for the men they date. A sexual experiences survey showed reasons why women engage in sexual interactions and intercourse when they were ambivalent and definitely did not want to.