English Reference
noun · verb

dating

n. · v.
US /ˈdeɪtɪŋ/ UK /dˈeɪtɪŋ/ dat·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the activity of going on dates to see if you want to start a serious relationship with someone.

    n.the practice of engaging in social activities with a potential romantic partner to assess compatibility.

    Simple

    Online dating has become a very popular way for people to meet new partners.

    In context

    Modern dating has been significantly reshaped by mobile applications, which prioritise rapid visual assessment over traditional social introduction.

    courtshipseeing someone
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    n.a scientific way of finding out how old an object or a bone is.

    n.the process of assigning a specific age or time period to an archaeological or biological specimen.

    Simple

    Carbon dating showed that the wooden bowl was over two thousand years old.

    In context

    Radiometric dating techniques allow geologists to determine the age of rock formations with a high degree of precision.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of writing a date on a document or deciding when an event will happen.

    n.the act of assigning or recording a specific date for a transaction, document, or event.

    Simple

    The dating of the contract was important for the legal deadline.

    In context

    The precise dating of the manuscript remains a subject of intense debate among historians due to the lack of a clear watermark.

  4. 04 B1 Intermediate

    v.the action of regularly spending time with someone you have a romantic relationship with.

    v.the present participle of 'date', describing the ongoing state of being in a romantic relationship.

    Simple

    They have been dating for six months and are very happy together.

    In context

    After dating for several years, the couple decided to move in together to see if they were compatible in a domestic setting.

    seeinggoing out

Usage dating back · dating app

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated