Traditional Dating Losing Popularity

Hilltop
Tiffany Williams-Coe
4/18/07
It seems that in today’s society, traditional ways of dating are a thing of the past. The ever so popular dinner and a movie date, has taken the back seat when it comes to social outings.

The idea of the perfect date is no longer defined as dining in fancy restaurants and a trip to the movies. Though some people prefer a causal night out with someone they would like to get to know, others choose to turn the excitement up a notch when it comes to dating.

Sophomore radiation therapy major Shiesha Watson says when it comes to the perfect date, things should be spontaneous. She loves surprises when it comes to going out on dates.

“For me it’s so impressive when a guy remembers the little things,” Watson said. “My perfect date would have to be a guy remembering something that I told him I liked to do or a place I’ve always wanted to go and then surprising me by taking me there on our date.”

Small details like this, Watson said, show that her date took the time to think of something significant to her.

To many, the most important dates are ones that allow people to relax, have fun and get to know each other all at the same time. There can be a lot of thought put in planning the perfect date while still saving money as well.

“If I took a girl out on a date it would probably be something nice like a boat ride down the canal in Georgetown,” says sophomore architecture major Marcus Johns. He also suggested a walk through the zoo with someone special, a trip downtown to catch a play or concert and even a visit to the spa, are always great ways to get to know another person.

There are so many new and creative date ideas to explore that people would probably never even consider. It could be as simple as a picnic or even taking a date out to the fair. Alan Henderson, a sophomore architecture major, is fine with dinner and a movie. However he prefers fun, interactive outings.

“We can go fishing,” he said. “It allows us to be in a setting where we can get to know each other and have fun at the same time.”

To be surrounded by the lake at sunset can create a beautiful environment, a date idea that not many have considered.
With all of these ideas out there are still those that enjoy dinner and a movie.

“Call me old fashioned, but I really enjoy dinner and a movie,” said Jamelle Lacey, sophomore biology major. “They are so relaxed and comfortable. Of course I like to do other things, but as far as dating goes I don’t think dinner and a movie will ever get old,” Lacey said.

The problem with dinner and a movie is that it limits the amount of conversation on a date. This can be detrimental, especially on a first date when couples are trying to get to know each other.

There is a Web site called Planjam.com designed to help plan dates. The site lists more than 100 great date ideas. Some of them include miniature golfing, visiting a sports event, the arcade and more. Adding twist to dating keeps things exciting and fun for everyone.

There are, however, so many more creative date ideas out there.

To some, dinner and a movie is the perfect date, while others prefer to try new things.

Whatever the preference, there is no harm in trying new things and putting a spin on any date.

Going to a movie is not such a great idea unless it's an established relationship. Sitting in a dark theatre, not able to talk, the guy doesn't know if he should try to hold her hand or try to put his arm around her shoulder.

One of the nicest dates I ever went on as a teenager was when a guy took me swimming! It was a double date with my best friend and her boyfriend. They picked us up on their mopeds and we went to the pool at his apartment complex. Then we all went to get sub sandwiches (a real treat) and hung out at his place before going to a movie.

I think the more relaxed you are on a date, especially if you're just getting to know each other, the better.

quote:

Originally posted by dmbattle:
Going to a movie is not such a great idea unless it's an established relationship. Sitting in a dark theatre, not able to talk, the guy doesn't know if he should try to hold her hand or try to put his arm around her shoulder.

Yea, it can be awkward, but I too will always be down for dinner and a movie!

I like some of the ideas though like zoo's, arcades, and even physical activities like bike riding or skating. Any oppotunity to make a fool of yourself, laugh and have agood time makes for good conversation.

quote:

One of the nicest dates I ever went on as a teenager was when a guy took me swimming!

I love this! Not many black women would appreciate this!

One of my best dates was going roller skating! He picked me up, and chided me about not being able to skate, yadda, yadda...when we got there, HE was the one who couldn't skate all that well, and when the couple skate came, I was the one who skated backwards!! It was so sweet...we had a good time.

quote:

Originally posted by Ms MEAC:
I was the one who skated backwards!!

Dang I envy you! I could never skate backwards!

Some of my most unique dates-

Going to ESPN Zone with a former Morgan women's basketball player, who spent the entire time at the basketball game critiquing everyone's form. And she beat me too I couldn't get my balls out of the bin fast enough. Ok, that last part didn't come out right.

Going to the batting cages while we did our Sosa impressions.

Going to the Smithsonian, and then going to shoot pool afteward.

Long car rides where the conversation flows and we talk about stupid stuff and we laugh.

Sitting on the beach or balcony of an oceanview room just talking.

Picnics are always good, too.

Dave and Buster's

Boat rides

Baltimore Harbor

A friend of mine who is an avid golfer took me to where he practices putting and hitting long balls - that was cool.

I like dates where we do things that I haven't done/see places I've never seen.

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan Ghost:
Some of my most unique dates-
Going to the Smithsonian, and then going to shoot pool afteward.

I would have LOVED that date!

quote:

Originally posted by 90Aggie:


Picnics

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan Ghost:
Some of my most unique dates-

Going to ESPN Zone with a former Morgan women's basketball player, who spent the entire time at the basketball game critiquing everyone's form. And she beat me too I couldn't get my balls out of the bin fast enough. Ok, that last part didn't come out right.

Going to the batting cages while we did our Sosa impressions.

Going to the Smithsonian, and then going to shoot pool afteward.

All of that is hot!

quote:

Originally posted by 90Aggie:
Long car rides where the conversation flows and we talk about stupid stuff and we laugh.

Sitting on the beach or balcony of an oceanview room just talking.

Picnics are always good, too.

Dave and Buster's

Boat rides

Baltimore Harbor

A friend of mine who is an avid golfer took me to where he practices putting and hitting long balls - that was cool.

I like dates where we do things that I haven't done/see places I've never seen.

We are =====><=====

Oooh, one more...

Road trips to HBCU football games!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Atl has some of the most unique and excting dating options especailly during the spring season. There's Screen on the Green a mid week date option. Pack a light dinner and your fav wine and lawn chair or blanket or both Great date option Then there is free jazz in cenntinneal park Free Jazz for your mid week date Just a plethera of things to do here for alternative dating.

quote:

Originally posted by Ms MEAC:

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan Ghost:
Some of my most unique dates-
Going to the Smithsonian, and then going to shoot pool afteward.

I would have LOVED that date!

Let me know if you're ever in the MD/DC area

It's not really a matter of what you do, but who pays?????

I know women around the DC/Marylad Metro area, I can tell you, they are looking to get fed, and on your 'dime'. Try suggesting to them, a walk in the park, or anything 'simple', they don't want to hear it. They gotta see you spending "your" money to think you have an interest in them. It's been "years" since I've heard these words come out of a woman's mouth here in the DC/Maryland metro area, "let me cook dinner for you". It does not happen! They either "can't" or just "don't and won't" cook. Menu chicks, that's what I call them.

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan Ghost:

quote:

Originally posted by Ms MEAC:

quote:

Originally posted by Spartan Ghost:
Some of my most unique dates-
Going to the Smithsonian, and then going to shoot pool afteward.

I would have LOVED that date!

Let me know if you're ever in the MD/DC area

I will make a SPECIAL trip for that!!

quote:

Originally posted by puppydogg:
It's been "years" since I've heard these words come out of a woman's mouth here in the DC/Maryland metro area, "let me cook dinner for you". It does not happen! They either "can't" or just "don't and won't" cook. Menu chicks, that's what I call them.

Honestly, I would not say that to any guy I'm dating, just because cooking is not my forte. I'd rather go out someone be it on his dime, my dime or our dime.

Me cooking for him or vice versa does not make a good date for me. I'd rather come over and order take-out.

quote:

Originally posted by puppydogg:
It's not really a matter of what you do, but who pays?????

I know women around the DC/Marylad Metro area, I can tell you, they are looking to get fed, and on your 'dime'. Try suggesting to them, a walk in the park, or anything 'simple', they don't want to hear it. They gotta see you spending "your" money to think you have an interest in them. It's been "years" since I've heard these words come out of a woman's mouth here in the DC/Maryland metro area, "let me cook dinner for you". It does not happen! They either "can't" or just "don't and won't" cook. Menu chicks, that's what I call them.

I LOVE to cook for people!! I learned that you just can't invite anybody up in ya crib until you get a better "feel" for them and who they are.

quote:

Originally posted by Ms MEAC:
I learned that you just can't invite anybody up in ya crib until you get a better "feel" for them and who they are.

Exactly. Cooking for someone on a first date is an absolute no-no.

quote:

Originally posted by 90Aggie:

quote:

Originally posted by Ms MEAC:
I learned that you just can't invite anybody up in ya crib until you get a better "feel" for them and who they are.

Exactly. Cooking for someone on a first date is an absolute no-no.

DITTO...

Picnics in the park and walks around the lake are my favorite. Going swimming is another one...the pool then the hot tub then the shower then...nevermind.