What’s the difference between dating and hanging out? Aren’t the two almost the same thing? There is a thin line of difference between 'going on a date' and 'hanging out.'
That’s the confusing part. ‘Dating’ and ‘Hanging out’ may seem to branch out from the same trunk but they head in different directions. While dating is a more conscious effort at spending quality time with the person you are inclined towards, ‘Hanging out’ could be a casual outing with a friend you cherish.
To gain a deeper understanding of the difference between the two, let’s explore some parameters that will clear the misconception!
#1. Invitation
An invitation to a ‘date’ would be more specific regarding the time and venue of the meeting along with the reason for the outing. That is not truly the case for ‘Hanging out.' When a friend invites another friend for sticking out, they just specify the intention of spending time together and leave it on the friend to respond with the details.
#2. Efforts
Once the invitation is out, there is a lot of effort put in the ‘date’ to make things perfect. From the venue, dinner, ambiance to the mood, everything is a well thought off plan to make the other person feel special in all ways.
In the case of ‘Hanging out,' things are different. All one needs to do is extend an invite. The rest goes with the flow.
#3. Exclusiveness
While ‘hanging out’ is open to more than two people, a ‘date’ would limit it to just the two of you. There’s where the element of exclusivity comes in. The person has blocked the entire evening for you and does not have to rush up with the dinner to meet other commitments.
#4. Etiquettes Rule
There is a level of comfort with the friends and farting, and burping is just some things that further cements the comfort between your friends during ‘hang out’ sessions. However, on a ‘date,' etiquettes and chivalry rule the level of comfort. You become conscious of your activities, always trying to leave a good impression on the date’s mind and adopt courteous ways to respect and comfort each other.
#5. Dressing
Who thinks of what to wear when visiting a friend for a ‘hang out’ session? From bathroom slippers, bedroom pajamas to a casual shirt could be an ideal dress code for the get-together, let alone putting on those fancy clothes! However, the requirement of a ‘date’ is different. It compels you to take out those long heels or formal shoes and dress in a classy manner to leave a good imprint on the mind of the person you fancy. Appearance on a date is a crucial aspect!
#6. Expectations
The expectation from a date is different from that of a ‘hang-out’ session. You expect the ‘date’ to be special and eventful and thus experience anxiety and restlessness before the date as you worry about how it goes. However, the expectations from a ‘hang-out’ session could mere be fun and leave you in a relaxed state of mind.
#7. Things To Do
When a friend calls you over to ‘Hang-out,' their sole purpose would be just to sit down and chill for a while as they catch up on things that went by during the day or the week. However, the things that you do on a date vary from a range of things. From romantic dinners, long drives, watching a movie to just strolling through the parks, it would engage the two of you in the form of an activity that you do together and cherish the memories you make from it.
#8. The Fight To Pay
Would you let your date pay for you? Or will you pay for them? Now, that’s a problem that features every time towards the end of the date. Although only one pays for the bill, the struggle to decide who wins the argument is a tough call. That’s a problem you would never face if the two of you were just hanging out! Most friends prefer to split the bill and thus, share the cost of the dinner to ensure the burden is not on any one individual.
#9. Official Chauffeur At Your Service
Imagine your friend coming to pick you just to hang out at its place? That’s hard to believe, right? Friends don’t come to specially pick you from your house so that you can hang out with them. Yes, if your house falls in their way, then maybe! But in a ‘date,' the person always offers to pick and drop their loved one from their house to the venue and back to spend some extra time with each other.
Are you satisfied with the points that differentiate ‘hanging out’ from dating? Would you like to add more? We would love to hear from you. Comment on the box below to share your opinions and thoughts.
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(Featured Image Courtesy: Huffington Post)
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