10 Unconventional Dating Practices People Might Judge & 10 Common Ones
There's no question that the dating world is quite a complicated one. Finding someone you want to be with is hard enough, but learning to navigate the ins and outs of what's okay and what's not can be even more difficult. Don't worry if you're not an expert - we've created a list here for you so you can learn more. Here are 10 unconventional dating practices that people might judge and 10 common ones that are normally practiced.
1. Open Relationship
In most peoples' eyes, relationships consist of two committed people who dedicate themselves to one another. But with open relationships, that dynamic is completely changed. People are allowed to be in as many relationships as they choose. Of course, for this to work, there has to be consent and awareness from all parties involved. Once that's achieved, anything's game.
2. Virtual Dating
No, we're not talking about online dating or long distance dating. Virtual dating is an entirely new concept that is growing in popularity thanks to how powerful our online world is. This type of dating is done entirely through digital means like online gaming, video/voice calls, and instant messaging. There doesn't even need to be real life contact for virtual dating to happen.
3. Secret Dating
Let us explain secret dating a bit more clearly. It's essentially having to be in a relationship no one can know about. It's kept away from friends, family, and coworkers for reasons personal to the couple. Whether it's a Romeo & Juliet type situation or simply a fear of being criticized or judged by others, it's definitely an unconventional way to date.
4. Group Dating
In other countries around the world like Japan, group dating is an especially popular concept. But here in America, it might be seen as a little strange. Large get-togethers are planned where groups of girls and boys meet up with the intention of finding someone to date. It can feel rather pressuring knowing that everyone is going with the intention of finding love.
5. Return to Old Flames
Whether it's getting back with an old boyfriend or even an ex-husband, dating an old flame is generally frowned upon. It didn't work out for a reason! If you choose to go down this route, you'll likely get a lot of interference from friends and family that might not think it's the best idea.
6. Silent Dating
Want to hear a really weird one? Some people like to partake in silent dating, a practice where you don't talk to your date at all. No "How are yous" or "What do you like to dos" allowed! It forces both parties to engage in non-verbal forms of communication, but we can only imagine how difficult it'd be to get a good first impression.
7. DNA-Based Matching
For people who truly believe in soulmates, they might be interested in something called DNA-based matching. Who needs to meet someone through a friend or through an app if you can just find partners based on your genetics? It's certainly an intriguing concept, the idea that you're better suited to people you're genetically compatible with, but we can't say it's a common route most people go down.
8. Sugar Dating
The term Sugar Daddy or Sugar Mommy is growing more and more prevalent in today's world. Some people specifically search for wealthy partners who are able to provide them with everything and anything they need. It can be done in the form of expensive gifts or financial support, but either way, the relationship is mostly transactional.
9. Ghosting as a Norm
We really hate the word "ghosting." This modern dating trend has seriously grown out of hand. If you don't know what ghosting is, it's basically when someone you're talking to suddenly and without explanation just stops responding. In other words, it's a mean way to say "I'm not interested anymore." People engage in this behaviour way too often nowadays.
10. Extreme Age Differences
Age is an unspoken, important factor when people look at relationships. Having a significantly large age gap with your partner, typically 10 years or more, is generally subject to lots of societal judgment. We've seen the criticism Hollywood stars get when they enter relationships with big age gaps, and us normal folk aren't exempt from that.
1. Online Dating
Online dating has always been a popular choice for those looking for love. There are plenty of websites online that allow you to meet other potential partners through matched interests, profiles, and other means. It's a rather successful approach too - many people will claim they've met their partner through online dating!
2. Dinner Dates
The most classic, standard dating practice is to take your date out for dinner on the first meeting. It's one of the most comfortable settings you can be in when meeting someone for the first time. There's plenty of other people around, it's in a public setting, and you can always focus on eating if things get awkward.
3. Movie Dates
Another popular dating practice is to follow up your dinner date with a movie date. It's a super casual way for people to spend time together without forcing conversation. The movie itself also makes for a great conversation topic!
4. Meeting Through Friends
For many of you, you'll probably say that you met your current romantic partner through mutual friends. It's one of the most reliable ways to get a good match after all! When a close friend sets you up, you can trust that they have your best interests in mind and strongly believe that you'll get along with the other party. It's also comforting knowing you have a common connection. Besides, it's not always strangers to lovers; sometimes you become friends first.
5. Using Dating Apps
One of the most popular ways of meeting people in today's modern world is through dating apps like Hinged and Tinder. It's quick and relatively easy, letting you swipe through plenty of profiles in no time. Once you get to talk to a potential candidate, you can then decide whether or not it's time to meet in person.
6. Blind Dates
Blind dates add in a nice element of surprise if you're someone who wants to go head first without any expectations. Typically set up by a third party that knows the both of you (close or not), it's now up to you and your mystery date to see if there's a connection there.
7. Double Dates
If you're someone who gets really nervous about dating, your friend might suggest going out on a double date for the first one instead. Less intense than a typical one-on-one date, double dates feel more like a friend hang out rather than a serious one. It's a much more comfortable and relaxed way to get to know someone.
8. Speed Dating
Although you might not hear about this as often anymore, speed dating still exists! Back in the day, it was arguably one of the more popular ways of meeting someone. Think of it as Tinder but in real life. Instead of swiping someone's profile, you get to sit down for a short period of time to see if you share a connection with them. It's a lot easier to get a feel for someone when you're face-to-face with them.
9. Long-Distance Dating
Thanks to the power of technology, it's easier than ever to long-distance date. We're not saying it's easy on the relationship though! Sometimes couples get broken apart, not by will, but by outside factors like work or family. Through video and voice calls and instant messaging, couples are able to stay connected until their next meeting. It's hard work but it's worth it if they're the one!
10. Casual Dating
Last but not least, dating in modern society isn't always about marriage. Sometimes, people just want to meet other likeminded individuals and experience cool things with them. Casual dating means going in without expecting commitment or setting future goals. It doesn't hurt to explore options and see what you like in a relationship before really wanting to settle down.
