dating each other

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dating each other" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a romantic relationship between two people who are involved with one another. Example: "After months of friendship, they finally decided to start dating each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

"Everyone at Second City tried dating each other," O'Hara said.

The New Yorker

"They had been dating each other but she dumped him".

The Guardian

By March they were dating each other exclusively.

The New York Times

We would dance with each other like we were dating each other.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is time for us to begin, in a sense, dating each other.

The Washington Post

I initially stayed in a local B&B and we started dating each other.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Nations do not date each other.

The New Yorker

So why did they not date each other?

The New York Times - Style

They never dated each other again during their college years.

The New York Times

We date each other, we're too busy making love to each other".

The Guardian - Music

Casey Moss and Kara Price never dated each other, or anyone else.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dating each other" when you want to emphasize the mutual and reciprocal nature of the dating relationship. For example, "After several chance encounters, they started dating each other and discovered a deep connection."

Common error

Be specific about the nature of the relationship. Saying "they are dating" could be ambiguous; "they are "dating each other"" clarifies the relationship is mutual and romantic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dating each other" functions as a reciprocal verb phrase, indicating a mutual romantic relationship between two individuals. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dating each other" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a mutual romantic relationship. Ludwig's analysis indicates its usage is most prevalent in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Alternative phrases such as "seeing each other" or "courting one another" offer subtle variations in meaning and formality. Remember to use "dating each other" when you want to explicitly emphasize the reciprocal nature of the relationship. You can avoid ambiguity by being specific and also avoiding confusion with similar terms. With Ludwig's many examples, you can easily and confidently find the best context for "dating each other".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seeing each other

A more general term that may or may not imply exclusivity.

in a relationship

Highlights the committed aspect of dating.

going out with each other

A more casual way to describe dating, often used for initial stages.

mutually dating

Highlights the reciprocal nature of the dating relationship.

seeing someone

A less direct way of saying dating implying some level of casualness.

courting one another

A more formal and old-fashioned way to describe dating.

involved with one another

A neutral term, focusing on involvement.

involved romantically

Focuses on the romantic aspect of the relationship.

are an item

Informal way of saying that two people are dating.

romantically linked

A formal way to describe a romantic connection.

FAQs

How can I use "dating each other" in a sentence?

You can use "dating each other" to describe a reciprocal romantic relationship. For example: "After being friends for years, they started "dating each other" and found they were very compatible."

What's a more formal alternative to "dating each other"?

A more formal alternative is "courting one another", which implies a more traditional and serious approach to dating.

Is "seeing each other" the same as "dating each other"?

"Seeing each other" is a more general term that may or may not imply a committed relationship, whereas "dating each other" typically suggests a more exclusive and intentional romantic relationship.

What does it mean when people say "they are an item"?

Saying "they are an item" is an informal way of stating that two people are "dating each other". It suggests they are a couple and in a romantic relationship.