Generally speaking, dating describes a less serious level of commitment before either person is ready to describe the other as a girlfriend or boyfriend. This is not a firm rule because the terms have no strict definition.

Is dating girlfriend the same as boyfriend exclusively?

Simply put, exclusive dating does not make you a boyfriend/girlfriend. Many people mistake exclusive dating for a committed relationship. It is not the same thing. Dating exclusively implies not dating anyone else, and it is more like an experiment than a full commitment.