The word date was allegedly coined in 1896, by a forlorn lover. According to Moira Weigels book, Labor of Love: The Invention of Dating, the word date first popped up in a newspaper column in which a heartbroken clerk named Artie wrote that the object of his affections was seeing other people.

What does the word dating really mean?

“Dating” means youre going on dates. You are actively getting out there and meeting people and spending time with them. “Dating someone” means youre seeing somebody specific, with purpose and on a regular basis.