Double Dating/Double Date – Meaning, Origin and Usage

Do you need a term to describe two couples that are going on the same date night, usually in the context of a group of friends who are going out together? The term 'double dating/double date' can sometimes be used to refer to this. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this common expression.

Meaning

The saying 'double dating/double date' is used to indicate the action of two (or sometimes more) couples who are going on the same date together.

Sometimes the phrase 'double date' can refer to the physical date event itself, or the action of going on the date instead.

The term 'double date' and 'double dating' can be used alternatively, depending on the tense in which the date is going to be taking place – past, present or future.

The correct way to use the term is to say that someone is going on (or has gone) on a double date, or that someone is 'double dating'.

The most common use of the phrase 'double date' is to imply that two couples are going to spend time out together, with the implication of nonsexual activity.

The opposite of the term would just be given as a 'date', with the implication that 'date' means one couple whilst 'double date' means two.

The term 'double-date' with hyphen is also sometimes acceptable, though less common.

Sometimes the term 'double dating' can be used to refer to a numerical date that has been written down, though this original use of the term is rare.

Example Usage

“When I heard that they were both going down to the same restaurant as we were, I suggested that we just go on a double date and save on the bill at the end of the night.”

“We weren't sure what to do for the rest of the night, so we decided to go on a double date with them to the park.”

“If you have trouble choosing an activity that everyone can agree on, suggest double dating and see where the rest of the night takes you to.”

“Apparently my grandparents met on a double date with their neighbors one Sunday.”

Origin

The first use of the term 'double date' is difficult to track down, though most online language resources agree that the term first originated from the early 1500s when the term became popular.

Thanks to the use of the printing press, the term 'double date' might have made it into popular language  right after this.

Early usage of the term 'double date' might have used it to refer to the fact that dates, on some documents, were written in double form.

This original use of the term is rare today, and the term 'double date/double dating' most often refers to the action of two couples who go on the same date.

The term was first recorded in Urban Dictionary from 2004.

Phrases Similar to Double Dating/Date

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Phrases Opposite to Double Dating/Date

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What is the Correct Saying?

  • [Going on a] double date
  • A double date
  • Double dating

Ways People May Say Double Dating/Date Incorrectly

There are several ways in which the term 'double dating/date' can be used in the wrong way, or misunderstood in the context that it is being used.

The term 'double date' and 'double dating' refers to a nonsexual date between more than one couple, or the activity of the date itself. If referring to more than one occasion,

Acceptable Ways to Phrase Double Dating/Date

The correct way to use the term 'double date/double dating' is to use it to refer to a date where two couples are going on the same date event.

Someone can 'go on a double date' or someone can be 'double dating'.

The term can also refer to the physical date itself, as a 'double date'.

While rare, sometimes the term can be used together with a hyphen and written as 'double-date' or 'double-dating'.

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