real date

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "real date" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an actual or genuine date, often in contrast to a casual or non-serious arrangement. Example: "I finally asked her out for a real date instead of just hanging out as friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It wasn't a real date, anyway.

The New Yorker

She was far too young for a real date.

The New Yorker

He finally invited me on a real date.

The New York Times

"I call it our first real date," she said, "because he bought me dinner".

The New York Times

"You know how I knew it was a real date?" Mr. de Michiell said.

The New York Times

She and Maury could never see a movie now, never have a real date.

The New Yorker

"A week later I asked him out on a real date," Mr. Eldridge said.

The New York Times

Only when the contestant has made a choice will the real date be revealed.

The Guardian

Had it been a real date, it would have been very interesting.

The Guardian

When he returned to New York for a break, they had their first real date.

The New York Times

The couple had their first real date on Valentine's Day 2010.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "real date" to emphasize that an outing is intended to be romantic, differentiating it from casual hangouts or friendly gatherings.

Common error

Avoid using "real date" in contexts where "real" refers to something factual rather than romantic. For example, "The committee needs to determine the real date of the event" is about accuracy, not dating.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "real date" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'real' modifies the noun 'date', specifying the type of date being referred to. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "real date" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the romantic or genuine nature of a date, setting it apart from casual or non-serious encounters. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its intended meaning of a romantic outing rather than a factual reference. Consider alternatives like "genuine date" or "actual date" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

genuine date

Emphasizes the authenticity and sincerity of the date.

actual date

Highlights the factual or concrete nature of the date, distinguishing it from casual encounters.

proper date

Implies that the date adheres to conventional or expected standards.

formal date

Suggests a structured and possibly more sophisticated dating scenario.

serious date

Indicates a date with romantic potential and intention.

official date

Implies the date is a confirmed arrangement.

romantic rendezvous

Replaces "date" with a more evocative and intimate term.

planned outing

Focuses on the organized nature of the event.

intentional meeting

Highlights the purposefulness of the encounter.

arranged courtship

Suggests a more traditional or structured approach to dating.

FAQs

How can I use "real date" in a sentence?

You can use "real date" to describe a romantic outing that is more than just a casual hangout. For example, "After weeks of texting, he finally asked her on a "real date"."

What's a good alternative to saying "real date"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives such as "genuine date", "actual date", or "proper date" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between a "real date" and just "hanging out"?

Yes. A "real date" typically implies romantic intent, planning, and effort to impress the other person. "Hanging out" is usually more casual and less structured.

When should I use "real date" instead of "date"?

Use "real date" when you want to emphasize that the encounter is intended to be romantic or serious, especially to distinguish it from platonic meetings or casual get-togethers.