Casual dating

[Dunce]

Correct me if I'm wrong... but is going on "dates" sort of an American thing?

I know over here in Ireland if you ask someone out then you're automatically in a relationship with them, and it bloody well sucks. Sure, you can ask someone on a date, but at the end of the date if you don't agree to be their girlfriend you're pretty much a bitch who led them on.

I told my friend I don't want a relationship, but I want to date, and she said "Oh yeah like they do in America". I've heard other people refer to it as an American thing so don't take offence or think I'm stupid please :whoops:
And it's true, I really would love to go on dates, but I don't want to hurt anyone or be tied to someone. I've only ever been on one date, but that guy was labelled my "boyfriend" but I didn't really like him (which is awful, I know). I don't know if I like men or women, maybe I like both, but I feel I need to explore that area of my life, not just sexually, so that's why I want to date different people. However, I have no idea how to go about it... :what::what:
I mean, sure I will be fond of the people I date and maybe I'll date the one person a few times and if it would make them more comfortable I wouldn't date others while I date them, but I don't want any labels or hurt feelings.



(And I know in another thread I have I say I am "more than friends" with a guy, but I know if his ex said she wanted him back he'd go to her in a heartbeat, and that's okay, so I figure I can date if I want, seeing as me and him don't label ourselves. Plus if I start dating maybe it will help me forget him, seeing as he seems to be doing this to me.)

[Lost in the Echo]

Actually, I haven't really noticed this in America. And no, I don't take offense. :P

But, when you do just casually date someone, they shouldn't get all pissed off, if you don't want to be in a committed relationship with them.
Why can't the date just be a friendly one?
I can understand the frustration/disappointment, but you can't force someone to like you, or force them to feel the same way about you, as you do about them.

If you're on a date with someone, and in the end, you don't think they're the right guy/girl for you, then be honest about that with them.
You can't force yourself to like someone.
If they're a dick to you about it, then it just shows their immaturity.
Like I said, why can't the date just be a friendly one?
Just because you go on a date with someone, doesn't mean you automatically want to be in a relationship with them.