a steady date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a steady date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a consistent or regular romantic engagement with someone. Example: "After months of casual dating, we finally decided to become a steady date for each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

For example, some people might be very uncomfortable discussing issues that they feel touch on them personally, such as weight, lack of having a degree or qualifications, lack of having a steady date, etc. Try to be as thoughtful as possible even though you don't really know them yet.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

You therefore merit transition to Phase II and the (temporary) rank of Steady Date.

The New Yorker

Thus, a girl will start sporadic or steady dating relationships at an earlier time [ 35, 36], a fact that, in turn, also favors an early start of sexual activity, which is not always accompanied by adequate means of prevention of pregnancy [ 37, 38].

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

To illustrate this, Fig.  3 shows the average family size intentions of respondents without a partner, those who are steady dating, those who are cohabiting unmarried and those who are married, at ages 20, 25, 30 and 35, based on the coefficients of Model 3. 3 At age 20, cohabiting respondents have intentions that are—on average 0.2 children lower than that of other respondents.

European Journal of Population

When she does get around to steady dating, and even to marriage, the odds are that it will be with a white boy.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the San Francisco of "Looking," which pits the contusions of casual sex against the banalities of steady dating, the romantic weather is always bad.

The New Yorker

By Daniel Wenger March 22, 2015 In the San Francisco of "Looking," which pits the contusions of casual sex against the banalities of steady dating, the romantic weather is always bad.

The New Yorker

In their San Francisco, the contusions of casual sex are pitted against the banalities of steady dating, and the romantic weather is always bad. "Looking" is an artifact of a moment when, in the most tolerant regions of the American imagination, the bathhouse has been razed and the single-family home has been built in its place.

The New Yorker

Based on these four statuses, three dummy variables were created: Steady dating, Cohabiting and Married.

European Journal of Population

Four different partner statuses are defined: having no partner, steady dating, cohabiting unmarried and being married.

European Journal of Population

In addition, there are statistically significant positive interaction effects between age and steady dating, cohabitation and marriage.

European Journal of Population

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing relationship milestones, use "a steady date" to indicate a commitment level beyond casual dating, but less formal than 'boyfriend/girlfriend'. Consider the audience; it's generally acceptable in informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a steady date" if you need to explicitly state exclusivity or monogamy. While often implied, "steady" doesn't guarantee that both parties are exclusively seeing each other. Use "exclusive dating relationship" to remove ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a steady date" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement within a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes someone with whom one has a consistent, ongoing dating relationship.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a steady date" describes a person with whom one is regularly dating, suggesting a level of commitment greater than casual dating but less formal than a serious relationship. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears across various contexts including news, science, and wiki sources. When using "a steady date", ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of a consistent, ongoing dating arrangement that may or may not be exclusive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a committed relationship

Emphasizes dedication and long-term intention more strongly than "a steady date".

a regular partner

Focuses on the frequency and reliability of seeing someone, omitting the emotional commitment implied by "date".

an established relationship

Highlights the duration and stability of the bond, implying a history together that "a steady date" might not possess.

a serious courtship

Implies a more traditional and intentional approach to building a romantic relationship, which isn't always present in "a steady date".

an exclusive dating situation

Stresses the mutual agreement to only date each other, a concept less overtly stated by "a steady date".

a monogamous relationship

Focuses specifically on the aspect of sexual and emotional exclusivity, whereas "a steady date" may or may not imply this.

a stable romantic connection

Highlights the emotional security and predictability, aspects that are subtly included in the original phrase.

a consistent dating arrangement

This alternative emphasizes the routine and agreement involved in seeing each other regularly.

a long-term girlfriend/boyfriend

Specifies the gender roles and the time horizon implied by a committed, ongoing relationship, whereas “a steady date” is more general.

a settled dating life

This alternative is about the feeling of peace of mind related to a stable situation.

FAQs

What does "a steady date" mean?

The phrase "a steady date" refers to a person with whom one has consistent, ongoing dates, suggesting a commitment beyond casual dating but not necessarily implying a fully committed relationship.

What can I say instead of "a steady date"?

You can use alternatives like "committed relationship", "regular partner", or "serious courtship" depending on the context.

Is "a steady date" the same as being in a relationship?

Not necessarily. "A steady date" implies a level of commitment and consistency, but "in a relationship" typically suggests a more defined and exclusive bond.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a steady date"?

It's appropriate when describing a dating situation that is more serious than casual dating but has not yet reached the level of a committed, exclusive relationship.