going on a date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going on a date" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a social outing between two people, typically with romantic intentions. Example: "After weeks of chatting online, they finally decided to go on a date at the new Italian restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zoe is going on a date with one of Rose's friends, and there's drama between Zoe and Rose.

Huffington Post

Going on a date with one person will open multiple doors.

WikiHow

When she said one-night stands, they mean going on a date".

Huffington Post

Or going on a date?

The New York Times

Imagine going on a date with her.

The Guardian - Books

That night he was going on a date.

The New Yorker

Going on a date is really, really hard.

The New York Times

It's like you're trying to talk someone into going on a date with you".

The New York Times - Food

"Going on a date with a rabbi is a novel thing for me," he said.

The New York Times

In it, she recalls going on a date with Steinbrenner and another couple.

The New York Times - Sports

She was my mother, after all, and she was going on a date.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "going on a date", ensure the context clearly indicates a romantic or potentially romantic encounter, differentiating it from a casual meeting or outing with friends.

Common error

Avoid using "going on a date" in situations where the interaction is clearly non-romantic, as this can create confusion or miscommunication. Clarify the nature of the meeting if there's any ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going on a date" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a larger verb phrase. It describes the action of participating in a social activity with romantic intentions, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going on a date" is a very common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of participating in a romantic or potentially romantic encounter. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across diverse sources, particularly in News & Media and Wiki contexts. While generally informal, it maintains a neutral register suitable for everyday conversation. Remember to use the phrase in appropriate contexts to avoid misinterpretations and ensure clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having a date

This alternative focuses on the possession of a date, implying that one is scheduled or planned.

going out with someone

This phrase is a general term for spending time with someone in a romantic context.

dating someone

This phrase emphasizes the ongoing process of dating, rather than a single instance.

meeting up for a romantic engagement

This phrase adds more detail to the concept of a date by emphasizing the romantic aspect.

seeing someone

This is a more casual term, suggesting a relationship that may not be strictly romantic.

spending time romantically

This alternative focuses on the nature of the time spent, rather than the event itself.

stepping out with someone

This alternative is an older, slightly more formal way of describing a date.

engaging in courtship

This is a formal way of describing the process of seeking a romantic relationship.

courting someone

This implies a more traditional and intentional pursuit of a romantic relationship.

attending a rendezvous

This alternative is more formal and less common, implying a planned meeting.

FAQs

What does "going on a date" mean?

The phrase "going on a date" refers to participating in a pre-arranged social activity with someone, typically with romantic intentions. It implies spending time together to get to know each other better in a more intimate setting.

What can I say instead of "going on a date"?

You can use alternatives like "having a date", "dating someone", or "going out with someone" depending on the context.

Is "going on a date" formal or informal?

The phrase "going on a date" is generally considered informal and suitable for everyday conversation. In more formal settings, you might use phrases like "attending a rendezvous" or "engaging in courtship", but they are much less common.

How do I use "going on a date" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "She is nervous about "having a date" with him tonight" or "They are "dating someone" to the cinema this weekend."