The first time we meet somebody is actually the time we make an impression of them, impression which usually tends to last until our very last interaction with that person. 
Well, first dates are no exceptions and that is why they are so important when getting to know another individual.

First dates and first impressions

Research has identified seven functions of dating among which the below:
<ul>
<li>Recreation</li>
<li>Socialization</li>
<li>Increasing status</li>
<li>Sexual experimentation</li>
<li>Companionship</li>
<li>Courtship</li>
<li>Intimacy.</li>
</ul>

The functions of dating

Research has highlighted that there are different reasons people date, reasons which can be split into two main categories: first-date goals and partner-focused.
It is quite important to know why the other chose to date you, as you might end up discovering that you two do not share a viewpoint on this topic.

The reasons for dating

<h2>
 The reasons why we date. </h2>
 Posted Jun 18, 2018 <UL><LI><img alt="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/all/modules/custom/pt_social_media/img/icon-share-round-facebook-md.svg" width="37" height="37"></LI></UL><div>Source: baranq/Shutterstock</div>First-date interactions play a major role in determining the trajectory of a potential relationship. During the initial meeting, partners have the opportunity to learn more about one another as they assess whether or not they are well matched. The information that we share, both verbally and non-verbally, can make a lasting impression. Therefore, first dates are often carefully orchestrated events&nbsp;in which the participants play specific roles, with the goal of creating a bond. While a few of my posts have already covered my research on <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/finding-love-the-scientific-take/201803/first-dates" dir="ltr">first dates </a>and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/finding-love-the-scientific-take/201805/gender-scripts" dir="ltr">gender differences in dating scripts</a>,&nbsp;this post will explore the reason why we choose to date in the first place.<div>article continues after advertisement</div>The Purpose of <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/mating" title="Psychology Today looks at Dating" dir="ltr">Dating</a>It is important to determine the purpose of dating, as the reasons why we engage in this behavior may be connected to the different experiences we have&nbsp;during our dates. Roscoe, Diana, and Brooks (1987) used a sample of 210 adolescents&nbsp;(6th graders, 11th graders, and college students) to examine why they chose to date and to determine if there would be any differences in their reasons based on their age. The results demonstrated that younger students viewed dating from a more egocentric perspective, whereas late adolescents were more focused on having healthy and balanced relationships. Specifically, seven different functions of dating were identified as a result of the research:&nbsp;recreation, socialization, increasing status (i.e., to increase social status by dating an attractive or popular partner), sexual experimentation, companionship, courtship, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/relationships" title="Psychology Today looks at intimacy" dir="ltr">intimacy</a>.Other research has zeroed in on the initial romantic encounter, focusing on the reasons for the first date. Mongeau, Serewicz, and Thierren (2004) examined 144 college students’ <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/motivation" title="Psychology Today looks at goals" dir="ltr">goals</a>, which revealed 14 reasons for first dates. From these 14, eight were first-date goals (FDGs) and six were partner-focused reasons. Specifically, “[f]irst-date goals represent end states toward which participants strive [and p]artner-focused reasons center on why the participant was dating a specific individual” (Mongeau et al., 2004).&nbsp;The study, which primarily focused on FDGs, found that the most frequently mentioned goal was uncertainty reduction, which involved getting to know the partner better. Another goal, which was described by more than half of the participants, was relational escalation, or investigating the possibility of a future relationship. <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/gender" title="Psychology Today looks at Gender" dir="ltr">Gender</a> differences were also observed in that men were more likely than women to report sexual activity goals, and women were more likely to discuss long-term potential and companionship. In fact, men were four times more likely than women to mention sexual goals. The most commonly mentioned goals (reduce uncertainty, relational escalation, fun, and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/friends" title="Psychology Today looks at friendship" dir="ltr">friendship</a>), were reported similarly by both men and women. Gender differences were more pronounced for the less frequently mentioned goals.Examining the reasons why people date is important, because it demonstrates that there are many purposes that it can serve. The reason why one person may choose to go on a date may not align with his/her partner’s purpose. Therefore, assessing the level of commitment and interest a person has in you on a date may be a bit more challenging than we originally accounted for.ReferencesMongeau, P. A., Serewicz, M. C. M., &amp; Therrien, L. F. (2004). Goals for cross‐sex first dates: Identification, measurement, and the influence of contextual factors.&nbsp;Communication Monographs,&nbsp;71(2), 121-147.Roscoe, B., Diana, M. S., &amp; Brooks, R. H. (1987). Early, middle, and late adolescents' views on dating and factors influencing partner selection.&nbsp;Adolescence,&nbsp;22(85), 59-68.<UL><LI><img alt="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn.psychologytoday.com/sites/all/modules/custom/pt_social_media/img/icon-share-round-facebook-lg.svg" width="45" height="46"></LI></UL>

It's important to discuss why we date, as the reasons we engage in this behavior may be connected to the success of the date itself.

The reasons why we date

First dates and first impressions

The functions of dating

The reasons for dating

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