Ahh, dating, everyone's topic of choice. The very word either sends people running to the hills with fear of commitment biting at their heels, or in the opposite direction, straight toward the wedding chapel, with a white picket fence and car seat waiting. So which overwhelming feeling should "dating" evoke? What if I told you neither?

If you ask trusty Wikipedia what "dating" is defined as, you will read this: "a stage of the human mating process whereby two people meet socially, possibly as friends or possibly with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship or marriage." Marinate on that for a moment: " a stage of the human mating process...with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner." Now if you ask me, it seems that "dating" has followed Darwin's advice and evolved from a simple to a more complex form. But I'm not so sure Darwin would support this type of complexity.

I can't help but giggle when I overhear the typical banter:

"Are they single?"

"No, they are dating."

What does that even mean? Now, feel free to call me old fashioned (I actually fancy the thought), but I have always thought that "dating" happens before two humans decide to enter a relationship. I have always thought that "dating" is the beautiful, experimental, embarrassing and uncomfortable time that allows two people to see if the other is their cup of tea. I have always thought that "dating" can involve one date (yikes) or multiple dates (double yikes). It can be set in a casual setting, such as over a simple cup of coffee, or a juicy burger and milkshake. Or the not-so-casual setting, like a horse-drawn carriage, a four-course meal with wine pairings and a private violinist.

Since when does "dating" imply betrothal and production of offspring? We have allowed such a simple "stage" to mutate into a monstrous commitment that, quite frankly, is scary. If I choose to accept an invitation for a date, I am by no means committing to anything other than the coffee I am about to drink or the dessert I am going to munch. If, by the end of the encounter, I decide that the other human is a few cards short of a full deck, then I will respectfully bow out and run, never to be seen again. If the outcome is pleasant and I find myself interested in this human's cup of tea, then I have the ability to agree to yet another encounter. Isn't that just brilliant? You can decide. Unless, of course, the other human finds you comparable to mashed potatoes: lumpy and bland. Then the choice is probably not readily available.

I strongly feel the need to spread awareness of the slow extinction of the true meaning and purpose of dating. The truth is, we don't date anymore. We "booty call," we jump into relationships or we get married. We skip this beautiful stage that allows for growth, experimentation, failure and eventually, love. Think long and hard. When was the last time someone approached you in person, stranger or friend, and asked you to a simple dinner? Without the intention of sex, marriage or even a second date? It rarely happens anymore. Face to face? No way, there is Facebook for that. A playful note? Never! We have texting. Flowers after an enjoyable evening? No, an Instagram shoutout will do.

Old-fashioned? Outdated? Old-school? Call it what you may, dating is just not what it was, or should be. Test drive it, I dare you. Take a person on a date, a real date. Ask them eyeball to eyeball. It could turn out to be something magical, or it could result in a dent in your funds and a really cheeky bar story. Either way, it's just a date.