keep dating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep dating" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the continuation of a romantic relationship or the act of going on dates with someone. Example: "After a few months of getting to know each other, we decided to keep dating and see where things go."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I knew at that point I really, really wanted to keep dating him," Ms. Crow said.

The New York Times

I'm going to look like a real idiot if we just sit here like losers and keep dating".

The New Yorker

When her boyfriend moved to Korea last December for a consulting job, the two decided not to keep dating long distance but resolved to stay friends.

The New York Times - Tech

As one contestant said, "He didn't even know who I was till I made out with him!" But Alex, a management consultant, persevered, handing roses to the women he wanted to keep dating.

The New York Times

"He'd e-mail or call me to tell me how much he loved it, and I'd always ask him what page he was on, because I wanted to be able to pinpoint the exact instant when he decided I was too much of a freak to keep dating".

The New York Times - Style

Jerry becomes obsessed with the "dust" that now coats his city, George is happy to be mistaken for a hero who pulled people from the wreckage, Elaine must keep dating a guy who was in one of the Twin Towers, while Kramer seeks restitution for his box cutter, which he had "lent" to his friend Mo Atta.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

So we kept dating.

The Guardian

I mean, look at that string of jerks she keeps dating.

The New Yorker

Of course Amanda keeps dating him, though she does begin to suspect that Jim harbors a dark secret.

The New York Times

So I kept working with him, and we kept dating.

Huffington Post

That also means that suitors need to keep dates cheap and casual.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a more serious, long-term relationship, consider using phrases like "continue the relationship" or "stay together".

Common error

Avoid using "keep dating" when you want to express a committed, long-term relationship. This phrase suggests a certain level of casualness and may not accurately reflect the relationship's true nature.

Linguistic Context

Keep dating" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a verb to describe the ongoing action of going on dates with someone. This phrase indicates a continued romantic interest and exploration, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep dating" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the continuation of a romantic relationship in a relatively casual or exploratory phase. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and provides diverse examples across different contexts, predominantly in news and media sources. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to note the context. It indicates an ongoing dating relationship without necessarily implying a deep commitment. For more formal situations or when describing committed relationships, alternative phrases such as "continue the relationship" or "remain romantically involved" may be more appropriate. As a versatile expression, "keep dating" effectively communicates the idea of ongoing romantic exploration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue seeing each other

Emphasizes the act of regularly meeting and spending time together without explicitly stating it's dating.

remain romantically involved

Highlights the romantic aspect of the relationship, suggesting a deeper connection.

stay together

Implies a commitment to the relationship, focusing on maintaining the connection.

see each other casually

Indicates a less serious, more relaxed approach to dating.

go on more dates

Focuses on the specific activity of going out on dates, suggesting the possibility of future dates.

pursue a relationship

Implies a more active effort to develop and grow the relationship.

maintain a romantic relationship

Stresses the effort and work involved in keeping the relationship alive and thriving.

spend time together romantically

Focuses on the act of sharing experiences and moments in a romantic way.

carry on dating

A more formal and somewhat less common way of saying "keep dating".

continue a courtship

Implies a more traditional and formal approach to dating.

FAQs

What does "keep dating" mean in a relationship context?

In a relationship context, "keep dating" means to continue going on dates and seeing someone romantically, usually without a formal commitment. It suggests an ongoing, exploratory phase.

What's a more formal way to say "keep dating"?

While "keep dating" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives include "continue the relationship" or "remain romantically involved". Depending on the context, you might also use phrases like "pursue a relationship".

Is there a difference between "keep dating" and "be in a relationship"?

Yes, "keep dating" implies a less committed stage compared to "be in a relationship". The latter suggests a mutual agreement to be exclusive and often involves a deeper emotional connection, while the former is an ongoing process with no formal agreement.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep dating"?

It's appropriate to use "keep dating" when describing a situation where two people are actively going on dates and exploring a romantic connection, but haven't yet committed to a more serious, exclusive relationship. If the goal is mutual, you may want to use "continue seeing each other".