Courtship Dating and

Do you know what the difference is between dating and courtship? Some may think that they are interchangeable or in other words dating is just the modern day courtship. Many may even believe that courtship when out with the horse and buggy. There is a difference and each plays a very important roll into the process of one day having an eternal marriage.

Dating is getting to know people. The goal of dating is to discover and share information before entering into a committed, devoted, and long-term relationship, or a courtship. Dating: meeting and engaging in some mutually agreed upon social activity in public, together, as a couple.

Rule #1 – No dating before the age of 16 “When are you old enough? Maturity may vary from individual to individual, but we are convinced that dating should not even begin until you are 16. And then, ideal dating is on a group basis. Stay in group activities; don’t pair off. Avoid steady dating. Steady dating is courtship, and surely the beginning of courtship ought to be delayed until you have emerged from your teens.” Boyd K. Packer “Any dating or pairing off in social contacts should be postponed until at least the age of 16 or older, and even then there should still be much judgment used in selections and in the seriousness. Young people should still limit the close contacts for several years, since the boy will be going on his mission when he is 19 years old. Dating and especially steady dating in the early teens is most hazardous. It distorts the whole picture of life. It deprives the youth of worthwhile and rich experiences; it limits friendships; it reduces the acquaintance which can be so valuable in selecting a partner for time and eternity.” Spencer W. Kimball

Rule #2 – Date only those who have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards. Rule #8 - Do things that will help you and your companions maintain your self-respect and remain close to the Spirit of the Lord. Rule #3 - A young man and a young woman on a date are responsible to help each other maintain their standards and to protect each other’s honor and virtue. You must honor the sanctity of the priesthood and of womanhood. Rule #4 - When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. Rule #5 - Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person. Rule #6 - Make sure your parents meet those you date. Rule #7 - Plan dating activities that are positive and inexpensive and that will help you get to know each other.

Click on camera to view video It may seem a long way off now, but marriage is one of the most important decisions of your life. Your teenage years are not the time to make that decision, but proper dating will help you prepare to make that decision when it is appropriate. Dating will give you opportunities to develop social skills that will help you become confident and attractive to those you date. You’ll come to understand and be attracted to those with the qualities and characteristics that will be important to you in an eternal companion. Proper dating will also help you be worthy and prepared to marry in the temple for time and all eternity the right person at the right time.