Why Do People Date? Here Are 3 Common Reasons

Why do people date? There’s a myriad of reasons why, but whatever your reason for dating, let love be the center.

Can I take you out on a date?

The confession came out of the blue. And from a person you never thought would ask you out, too.

Does this mean they like you romantically, not just as a friend? Were they interested in you all along? Or are they toying with you?

Don’t go crazy coming up with a million reasons why; narrow it down.

Why do people date? Here are three common reasons why.

For Love

Love is the top reason people leave the single life to be in an exclusive relationship.

Everybody wants to be accepted and loved. And dating allows people to open up to potential partners, hoping to find someone who can truly love them—flaws and all.

Perhaps the person who confessed has realized they want to commit themselves to you—the one who makes them feel on cloud nine. And so they asked you out, looking forward to building a meaningful connection.

For Physical Intimacy

Why do people date? Well, scientifically speaking, men and women are social beings.

We all tend to crave affection from the opposite gender, and dating is one way of getting that.

But some only date for fun and physical intimacy, not for love.

They fear commitment, so they don’t indulge in anything serious. Other times, they want to fulfill a need they can’t seem to name. Or, they believe that dating for the sake of physical intimacy can fill the gaping hole for connection, a sense of belongingness, support, appreciation, and more.

Even though some societies and cultures still consider premarital relations scandalous, such arrangements have become acceptable in the modern world. In turn, more and more people confess, hoping to gain physical benefits from the other.

For Companionship

Everyone is scared of being alone and lonely. Most singles experience self-pity when they realize they have no one to spend their days with. It’s like their loneliness is a slap in the face.

That is why some people settle for relationships to avoid feeling alone and lonely.

And they have nothing to be ashamed of. As I’ve said before, it’s human nature to want to feel like they belong to someone, and vice versa.

To Date or Not to Date

Why do people date?

There are a million reasons for dating. And if you spend your time considering all of those, you will have difficulty deciding whether to date someone who has confessed their feelings to you.

Don't leave them waiting for your response.

Instead, try to see where their intentions fit among the common reasons people get into relationships.

Is it love? Intimacy? Or is it companionship?

If their reason aligns with your expectations in a relationship, consider giving them a shot. If you want to reject their confession, that's up to you. But will you be okay with passing up this chance?

Perhaps by accepting them to be your partner, you get to know why they asked you out in the first place, unless, by a rare chance, they tell you the truth.