Dating is a big step in life that you enter especially once you've hit college. Sometimes you're all about the dating game, other times you're just fed up with trying. You're done with feeling rejected, feeling like the other person doesn't care enough, or that the other person is actually seeing a different person rather than you. You don't want to to make the same dating mistakes anymore or look foolish over and over again.

But trust me, you're getting closer and closer when you try and try again, and you shouldn't be afraid of that.

1. Make the first move.

Some of your friends will tell you, the way to get what you want (a relationship) is to act like you don't want one. But not everybody is like that. When you try to pursue someone and tell them you're interested, and the other person plays it cool, that means they're not for you. You learn that even when you're stubborn to it initially.

2. Be too nice.

This is a sign that you care, and who doesn't want a caring guy/girl? If you care and the other person doesn't, that means they're not really relationship material or worthy of your time.

3. Dive right in.

Through dating, you'll notice that no two people are the same when it comes to pace. Some like to take things slow and others like to go in quick. If you do go in quick and tell them you're interested, that's perfectly fine since you're opening yourself up to the potential even if it's immediately shut down. You're strong and comfortable in your own skin, and on top of that, you're confident. Plus, you're learning that you need someone who can keep up with your upbeat and/or spontaneous attitude.

4. Take it slow.

Feel free to take things at whatever pace you want, and you have power in the relationship, even if it isn't yet a full-fledged relationship. You want something genuine, and the best way to get that is take things slow. You know what you want too. Your kind of forever person is going to be your best friend, not just someone whom you're physically attracted to, and you truly epitomize that.

5. Tell someone you're not interested.

The reason this may be a mistake is if you pass on someone who is a great person, but there are plenty of them. There's nothing wrong with telling the truth since that's the way you feel. You might hurt the other person, but you're not leading them on when you tell them this. You're being honest and real, and that's a quality that every person wants in their forever person.

6. Flirt.

Flirting is an obvious sign that you're interested, or that the other person is interested in you. There's absolutely nothing wrong with showing it. If the other person is uncomfortable or you are uncomfortable with the other person flirting with you, you can tell them that. But, flirting is fun. Ain't nothin' wrong with a little fun, right?

It's another indicator of the kind of person that is suitable for you. Some are the more shy/reserved type and others are all-systems-go.

7. Open up about past relationships.

The key component in dating is you're trying to get to know another person on a deep level. Letting your guard down is a great sign of strength and the fact that you're allowing yourself to be vulnerable is a great feeling. Allowing someone to understand you deeply is a great feeling as well.

8. Ask for their phone number.

This is one of the moves that you have to make, but no one should feel uncomfortable asking for it. It can be a bit nerve-wracking to do it, but if you're feeling nervous about it, just bring it up and do it. Even if you're turned down, or the other person declines to give it to you, you still put in the effort.

9. Do the deed during a date.

If you want to do it, feel free to. It's part of the relationship that you're willing to explore sooner rather than later, and you are not in the wrong for wanting to. Not everybody feels the same about it, but if you feel compelled to and your date does too, just do it.

10. Talk about marriage.

This doesn't mean you'll pop the question two weeks after you start dating, but you discuss it as a way of getting to know each other and deepen your connection. You discuss it as a way of knowing about the other person's expectations, about their parents' marriage, or any other people in their life that have been married.

11. Have standards.

It's a great idea to have standards since you're a great person, and you expect that of the person whom you date.

12. Spend a lot of time together.

Some people are all about the attention, others not so much. But when you're in the early stages of the relationship and still getting to know one another, you'll want to have those deep, long-lasting conversations, you'll want to be around each other, and you'll want to do things together.

13. Introduce them immediately to your friends.

It's never too early to do this; you choose the time you introduce him or her to your friends. It's your call. Preferably sooner rather than later.

14. Take her on a date to a place that you like but she isn't as fond of, OR go on a date with her to a place she likes but you aren't as fond of.

This is all about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Dating is all about that, and the fact that you're willing to go for it says so much about you.

15. Think outside the box.

Your first date with the new lady or gentleman shouldn't always have to be a dinner date. You can feel free to do anything you want together as a first date. It could just be a conversation over coffee, you could go bowling together, or do an obstacle course as your first date. But whatever you do, don't feel obligated to make your first date a dinner date.

16. Tell someone you're interested.

When someone says this, they're making no bones about it. Not everybody will respond to this the same way, but it's a huge sign. If you're willing to make the leap, don't be afraid to voice your feelings.

17. Hold the door open.

This is the classic 'gentleman' thing to do, when a guy is especially interested in you, he'll want to do anything for you. If you actually like him, you can flip it around and do it for him. No harm, no foul.

18. Talk about things you're passionate about or things that you do in your free time.

Regardless of what scope they pertain to, a big component of dating is to be able to open up about your passions / hobbies.