“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. Youre spending time with a person (or persons) in hopes of finding a committed relationship.

What does it mean if a guy says youre dating?

I would say dating is when you are steadily going on dates with someone, not just steadily hooking up with someone. I would say dating is a little more serious and occurs when you both are actually interested in taking the relationship further to a confirmed boyfriend/girlfriend level.