Understanding American Dating Culture Americans tend to be more direct and assertive than some other cultures. Eye contact and personal space are important in interactions. While Americans can seem very friendly, this does not always indicate a desire for a deeper relationship. It is considered polite to shake hands when meeting someone and gifts for weddings are often registered for in advance. Either gender can initiate a date, and the person asking should pay unless otherwise insisted. Dates generally involve a shared enjoyable activity, while sex is not expected on early dates and requires mutual consent. One is not obligated to go on another date even after the first.

1. Dating In USA
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2. Understanding American Culture
•
Americans are much more assertive . They use
words as tools to express their opinions and to
accomplish goals.
•
Be direct, and reserve small talk for later.
•
Eye contact is also important.
•
Americans tend to require more personal
space than in other cultures.
•
Americans often seem very friendly, this
friendliness does not always mean that the
person is looking for a deeper relationship.

3. •
Being polite is important in this culture.
•
Shaking hands is considered polite when you first
meet someone.
•
American names generally have three parts: first
name, middle name or initial and last name. In
most cases the first name appears first, then the
middle initial and then the last name.
•
Gift Giving
For a wedding, the bride will have
“registered” at one or two local department
stores, indicating the items and styling she
prefers.
If you wish to give a gift when you leave to
return to your home country, the best gift is
something that is unique to your country.

4. Asking
It’s completely acceptable for either the
man or woman to do the asking. The person
who does the asking should pay for the date,
unless the person asked insists on paying for
herself while on the date.

5. Activities
You should plan on actually engaging in
some enjoyable activity.

6. Sex
Most people do not expect sex during the
first few dates. Sex on a date should happen
only if both people their express consent.

7. Follow-Up
Having gone on a date does not obligate
you to go on another date with that person or
pursue a relationship.

8. How do you tell someone that you like
them?
You can use these
phrases:
•
“I like spending
time with you.”
•
“I enjoy your
company.”

9. How do you know if someone likes
you?

10. •
If they return your text message quickly,
they might like you.
•
If the person invites you out for dinner or a
coffee then they might like you.
•
If you go out for dinner or coffee and the
person wants to pay for you, that could be a
sign that they have a romantic interest in you.
However, in some business situations, a colleague might pay for you so
don’t get confused!
•
If they call you or text you on a special or
important day, that might mean that they like
you.

11. How do you know when someone is
NOT interested in you romantically?

12. •
If someone doesn’t text you back for a
long time after you write them a text,
they are probably not interested.
•
If they wait until the last minute to ask
you out, you are their last resort, their
last choice.
•
If they avoid extended eye contact with
you they might not be interested. But be
careful! In some situations like an interview, you also need to
make extended, direct eye contact and that does not mean
romantic interest.

13. •
If they suggest a group date after you
ask them out on a solo date.
•
It’s very rare to ask someone to be your
girlfriend or boyfriend after one date!

14. 8 Dating Customs
1. Family Matters
2. Yes, you do ask the father
3. The guy initiates
4. There are no games
5. Time is of essence
6. Dress to impress
7. Pays for dinner without expectation
8. Complimenting