What is the difference between “going out” and “dating”?
The answer to this depends on whom you ask, but as a general rule, yes…they are the same. “Going out” is used mostly by the younger crowd as an equivalent to “dating” or “going steady” meaning that the parties involved are in an active and (usually stable) relationship. “Going out” does not however convey the same connotation of “seriousness” (as it applies to a relationship) than “going steady” and “dating” do however. People who are “going out” could have gotten together yesterday, or years ago. In any event, they are not just “hanging out” (spending time together with no inherent romantic involvement). “Going out” should not be confused with “Gone out” as in “We’ve gone out a couple of times” (meaning that the parties involved have not actually begun a relationship yet, but may soon if things work out). In any event, “Going out”, “Gone out” or any other tense is meant to convey a past, present, or possible romantic involvement, and therefore is never used when referring to the opp
