Dating involves choosing and attracting a potential partner. Matchmaking is the procedure of introducing people for the purpose of courtship and probably marriage.

Human beings are social animals. What rational, normal human being would want to spend his or her whole life alone? I think you’ll agree, no normal person would! So dating and matchmaking are two important concepts to do with socializing and socialization.

The act of dating is also called courtship. This is where a couple would spend time together, sometimes with each other only, to get to know each other and become intimate often leading to a deeper and more purposeful relationship.

In some cultures, dating is eliminated completely as a couple enter a pre-arranged marriage. This is much less common in Westernised countries but very common on the Asian continent.

In terms of the Internet, matchmaking comes first via the many and varied web sites. Then dating follows as people arrange to meet others, and, sometimes, begin the courtship process.

With reference to pre-arranged marriages, some websites even offer this service too. Often an extensive database is accessed with thousands of profiles including photos and even specific information, allowing potential partners to choose their mates for life.