date around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "date around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of casually dating multiple people or exploring romantic options without a serious commitment. Example: "After my breakup, I decided to date around and see what else is out there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

At that conference Mr. Barger suggested a trial date "around Oct. 5".

The New York Times

When he told Ms. Paster he was going to buy a place and date around, she was, she said, "surprised, amused even".

The New York Times - Style

Over the next two years, I watched Anthony date around, have flings.

Huffington Post

And she wasn't just going to date around, she was going to find her soulmate.

Huffington Post

Does being in a long-term, committed relationship make you more well-behaved than your friends who date around?

Huffington Post

To date around 120 different mtDNA deletions have been identified in patients with mitochondrial disease.

British Medical Bulletin

Date: around 1982.

The New York Times - Arts

To date, around 50 credit unions have been signed up.

The Guardian - Money

To date around 1,500 have been delivered.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Golden Globe-winning actor is the fastest celebrity to-date around the Top Gear track in its reasonably priced car feature.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Meanwhile, unhedged emerging market bonds, as represented by the VanEck Vectors JP Morgan Local Currency Bond ETF (EMLC), are down year-to-date around -11.2%.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advising someone to "date around", ensure they understand the importance of honesty and transparency with all parties involved to avoid misunderstandings or hurt feelings.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "date around" implies a lack of seriousness; it simply means exploring options before committing. Don't use it to justify dishonesty or disrespect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "date around" primarily functions as a phrasal verb. It describes an action related to exploring romantic options. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "date around" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression that describes the practice of casually dating multiple people. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a usable phrase in written English, predominantly found in informal contexts such as news, media and wiki articles. While it's not a particularly frequent phrase, understanding its meaning is important for navigating discussions about relationships and dating. Alternatives include "casually date" or "play the field", each with slightly different connotations. When using "date around", ensure you communicate openly and honestly with all parties involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casually date

This alternative is more direct and focuses on the casual nature of dating.

date casually

This alternative emphasizes the manner in which the dating is approached—without commitment.

play the field

This idiom suggests exploring multiple romantic interests without settling down.

see multiple people

This phrase highlights seeing more than one person at the same time.

explore dating options

This emphasizes the exploration and discovery aspect of dating.

go on several dates

This is a more literal description of dating multiple individuals.

have multiple flings

This suggests short-term, casual relationships.

engage in casual dating

This phrase highlights the activity as a form of engagement, but casually.

remain uncommitted

This focuses on the lack of commitment in dating.

keep your options open

This idiom focuses on not limiting oneself to one romantic interest.

FAQs

What does "date around" mean?

The phrase "date around" means to casually date multiple people or explore romantic options without a serious commitment.

What can I say instead of "date around"?

You can use alternatives like "casually date", "play the field", or "see multiple people" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to "date around"?

Whether it's acceptable to "date around" depends on personal values and the expectations of those involved. Honesty and open communication are key.

What's the difference between "dating around" and being in a relationship?

"Dating around" involves seeing multiple people without commitment, while being in a relationship implies exclusivity and a deeper emotional connection.