a real date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a real date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an actual romantic outing or appointment between two people, distinguishing it from casual or non-serious interactions. Example: "After weeks of chatting online, we finally decided to meet for a real date at the local café."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It wasn't a real date, anyway.

The New Yorker

He finally invited me on a real date.

The New York Times

She was far too young for a real date.

The New Yorker

"You know how I knew it was a real date?" Mr. de Michiell said.

The New York Times

She and Maury could never see a movie now, never have a real date.

The New Yorker

"A week later I asked him out on a real date," Mr. Eldridge said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A lot of people said to us, 'Why don't you make [Kitty Powers Matchmakerr] into a real dating game?

The Guardian - Tech

"Joe Millionaire," the Fox dating show that worked both as a real dating contest and as a satire, seems to have inspired a subgenre.

The New York Times

I think if you're going to have a game that encourages people to socialise in real life, maybe you could turn it into a real dating thing but in a kind ofcomical way where there wasn't really any pressure.

The Guardian - Tech

"We wanted to fix it, and encourage users to go on a real dates as fast and easy as possible.

TechCrunch

Eurodatelink is for people of European descent wherever they may live, rich or poor, Christian, pagan, or atheist who share one common desire: to meet other White people for dating, romance, or friendship.http://www.eurodatelink.net/is a real dating site for White heterosexual people looking to meet singles or who just want to make new friends".

Security Informatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a real date" to clearly differentiate between casual hangouts and intentional romantic engagements.

Common error

Avoid assuming every social interaction is "a real date". Clarify intentions to prevent misunderstandings and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "a real date" is as a noun phrase. Ludwig examples show it being used to describe a planned social activity between two people with romantic interest, distinguishing it from casual or platonic encounters.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

23%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a real date" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to specify a social outing with romantic intentions. According to Ludwig, this differentiates it from casual encounters or friendly hangouts. It maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as demonstrated across various news, media, and online platforms. Alternative phrases include "an actual date" or "a genuine date". It is important to clarify intentions in social interactions to avoid misinterpretations, as highlighted in the writing guidance section. Overall, using "a real date" effectively communicates the romantic intent behind a planned social engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an actual date

Focuses on the authenticity of the date, emphasizing it is not casual or misinterpreted.

a genuine date

Highlights the sincerity and romantic intent behind the date.

a proper date

Stresses the traditional or conventional aspects of a date.

a formal date

Implies a more structured and possibly upscale dating experience.

a romantic outing

Shifts the focus to the activity itself being romantic in nature.

a planned date

Emphasizes the intentional planning and arrangement of the date.

a courtship event

Places the date within a broader context of courtship rituals.

a romantic rendezvous

Suggests a more secretive or passionate meeting.

a dinner date

Specifies the meal as the primary activity of the date.

a movie date

Specifies going to see a film as the primary activity of the date.

FAQs

How can I use "a real date" in a sentence?

You can use "a real date" to describe an outing with clear romantic intent, such as, "He finally asked her out on "a real date" after months of friendship."

What's a less formal way to say "a real date"?

Alternatives include "hanging out", "going out", or "spending time together", depending on the context. These options are less committal and don't necessarily imply romantic intentions.

Which is correct: "a real date" or "an actual date"?

Both "a real date" and "an actual date" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "a date" and "a real date"?

Yes, "a date" can be ambiguous and might refer to any social outing. "A real date" specifies a meeting with romantic intent, differentiating it from casual gatherings or friendly hangouts.