dated around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dated around" is correct and usable in written English.
It means to go on dates with multiple people without being in a committed relationship. Example: She was known for dating around, but eventually she found the right partner and settled down with him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She'd married and had two children as I tried out this job and that one, while I dated around and traveled the world.

Huffington Post

Of the few surviving buildings, those of note include Tynewydd ('New House') in Blaenrhondda, a 17th-century house thought to have given its name to the neighbouring village of Tynewydd and Tyntyle in Ystrad dated around 1600.

Wikipedia

When vaccinations were registered without a valid date, we assumed that the age when the children were given the specific vaccines was similar to the age of those who had their vaccinations dated (around 2% had missing dates for each vaccine).

BMC Public Health

But I still dated around.

The New York Times

The song, dated around 1800 B.C., had entranced modern brewers before.

The New York Times

In one dated around 1768, a proud young Newport, R.I., belle wears pricey pale blue silk.

The New York Times

Also dated around 1512 is an "Orpheus and Eurdyce" that reveals a familiarity with Bosch and Flemish painters.

The New York Times - Arts

In the earliest of the written versions, a Sumerian poem etched into a tablet dated around 1600 B.C.E.

The New Yorker

A single painting by him of the Virgin and Child with four saints, dated around 1505, opens the Boston show.

The New York Times - Arts

And it includes a Nubian tomb sculpture dated around 690 B.C., brought over from the Egyptian galleries.

The New York Times - Arts

Well worth inspecting, too, is a blue two-section farmhouse cupboard, author unknown, dated around 1810 to 1820.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical contexts, use "dated around" to indicate an approximate time period, making it clear that the date is not precise.

Common error

Avoid using "dated around" when you mean a precise date. This phrase implies an approximation, so use more precise language if the exact date is known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dated around" functions as a verb phrase. It primarily serves to indicate either the action of dating multiple individuals without commitment, or to denote an approximate time period. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dated around" is a versatile verb phrase with two primary usages: describing non-exclusive dating and approximating dates or time periods. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and general contexts. When using "dated around", be mindful of the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "casually dated" or "estimated to be from" can be used for clarity or formality, as needed. The phrase's versatility and relatively high frequency make it a useful addition to one's vocabulary, but context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casually dated

This alternative emphasizes the casual nature of dating multiple people, similar to "dated around".

engaged in casual dating

This option explicitly states the casual nature of the dating activity.

was seeing several people

This option uses the verb "see" to describe the action of dating multiple individuals.

saw different people

This option describes dating without commitment using simpler language.

maintained multiple dating relationships

This phrase describes the act of dating around in a more formal and descriptive manner.

went on dates with various individuals

This phrase offers a more formal and elaborate way of saying "dated around".

estimated to be from

This phrase focuses on the approximation of a date or time period, shifting the context slightly.

approximately dated

Similar to "estimated to be from", this alternative conveys an approximate date.

reckoned to be from

This alternative uses the verb "reckon" to convey an estimated timeframe.

believed to originate around

This emphasizes the belief or assumption about the origin of something within a certain timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "dated around" in a sentence?

You can use "dated around" to describe someone who went on dates with multiple people, as in, "She "dated around" before settling down". It can also describe an approximate time, such as, "The artifact is "dated around" 1500 BC".

What's a more formal way to say "dated around" when referring to relationships?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "engaged in casual dating", or "maintained multiple dating relationships" instead of ""dated around"".

When is it appropriate to use "dated around" for historical artifacts?

"Dated around" is appropriate when the exact age of an artifact is unknown, and the date is an educated guess based on available evidence. Phrases like "estimated to be from" can also be used.

Is "dated around" only used for people and objects, or can it apply to events too?

While less common, ""dated around"" can describe events with uncertain timelines, but it's typically preferred for objects or periods. A better wording could be something like "the event is estimated to have occurred around".