一个暧昧的词：dating

首先，我没有忘记这是一个以英语学习为主的公众账号，因此今天的火车发动之前，先来段英文文献阅读以下吧

来自维基百科中的“dating”一词的英文释义。

Dating is a stage of romantic relationships in humans whereby two people meet socially with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a prospective partner in an intimate relationship or marriage. It is a form of courtship, consisting of social activities done by the couple, either alone or with others. The protocols and practices of dating, and the terms used to describe it, vary considerably from country to country and over time. While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two people exploring whether they are romantically or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other. With the use of modern technology, people can date via telephone or computer or meet in person.

Dating may also involve two or more people who have already decided that they share romantic or sexual feelings toward each other. These people will have dates on a regular basis, and they may or may not be having sexual relations. This period of courtship is sometimes seen as a precursor to engagement.

我估计一定要同学说，我其实没看懂。那么，接下来，还是由我来讲讲英文中“dating”一次的暧昧之处吧。

多数中国（或东方文化）情侣的发展关系应该是这样的：有好感、暧昧、确定情侣关系、逐步从kiss发展到sexual之类的亲密接触、结婚……

当然，我一定不能否认有人是先有了一次或几次的亲密接触、之后才觉得不仅身体合啪、三观也合啪。

然后，再看dating一词的释义中的一句话：While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two people exploring whether they are romantically or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other.

如果你看不懂，我大概解释一下：尽管dating这个词有多个含义，但最最常见的用法指的是两个人（注意不是情侣，是两个人）通过dating的方式来确定双方是否情感或性关系中合啪。

你可能还是没搞明白吧？我再说简单点：身处dating关系之中的两个人比普通朋友多了一层暧昧，因为他们除了纯洁的友谊还可能有身体上的友谊，但他们还没到情侣的地步。

也就是说，如果你是个女孩，你告诉自己的闺蜜：“I am dating with Mike.” 你的闺蜜可能认为你和Mike已经有过sexual relationship了，但你们还是未确定情侣关系。

此时，如果你的闺蜜也和Mike有了sexual relationship， 你要不要去棒打鸳鸯哪？答案是否定的，因为你和Mike不是情侣，但也不是PY。

为了讲清楚dating这个词的文化内涵，我好像开车了，真对不起大家。

无数个躁动的无眠之夜里，你是不是在梦中跟某人dating过哪？