Relationships

• Dating - An activity in which people get to know another person better. It is also a way for people to acquire social and interpersonal skills. The main purpose is to get acquainted and enjoy social activities
• Standard date - Involves two people
• Double date - Two couples go on a date at the same time and place.
• Group date - Any number of people go on a date.
• Courtship - This is the stage in which a man and a woman continue to get to know each other better in preparation for a possible long-term commitment. Opportunity for both to determine if companionship could be sustained over a period of time. 
• Serious Courtship - The field of dating has narrowed to one or two persons, and for the purpose of selection of the marriage partner.
• Engagement - The selection has been made and two people agree to marry each other.
• Marriage - Defined as the most committed relationship. It is also a legal contract held together by bonds of intimacy and sharing.
• Monogamy - Marriage between one pair . The prevailing type of marriage in history. Practiced in Christianity. The key strength of monogamy lies in the unified effort of both the father and mother in raising their children.
• Polygamy - The state or practice of having two or more wives or husbands at a time.
• Polygyny - A man has two or more wives at the same time. Practiced in Islam. Most common in the olden days. Gives more power to the man.
• Polyandry - A woman has two or more husbands at a time. Mainly due to the numerical disproportion between sexes among primitive people.
• Importance of dating - Strengthen the relationship. Spend quality time with each other. Observe the other person’s character. Know one another better. Know one’s strengths and weaknesses.  Reveal any potential problems the partner may have. Develop affection and respect for each other.
• Importance of Courtship - Time to understand one another. Reveals one’s interests likes and dislikes limitations, and other aspiration in life. Allows couples to decide whether they want or are ready to commit and be committed. Develops security, understanding, and patience.
• The three types of dating are: Standard dates, Double dates, and Group dates.
• The three stages of courtship are: Dating, Courtship, and serious courtship.