double date
double date (compound noun)
/ˈdʌbəl deɪt/
Variants
- double-date (hyphenated form)
- group date (contextual variant)
- quad date (rare/modern informal)
Meaning
- Double date means when two couples go out together for a fun or romantic activity.
- An outing involving two couples who go out together socially.
- A planned social activity where two romantic pairs spend time together, often on the same occasion.
- A date shared by four people, usually consisting of two people who are dating and their friends who are also a couple.
- An arrangement where two people bring their respective partners to the same event.
- A scenario where two pairs coordinate their romantic plans or meetings simultaneously.
Example Sentences
- We went on a double date to the movies with Sarah and Mike.
- Their first double date was a picnic at the park.
- It felt less awkward being on a double date than going out alone.
- We planned a double date dinner to get to know each other’s partners.
- The bowling night turned into a spontaneous double date.
Origin and History
The American Genesis
Research points to the United States as the birthplace of the phrase “double date.” It emerged during a time of evolving social norms and dating practices in the early 20th century. The rise of organized social gatherings and the increasing independence of young people likely contributed to the need for a specific term to describe an outing shared by two couples.
Earliest Printed Record
The earliest recorded use of “double date” as a noun, referring to a social engagement involving two couples, dates back to 1922. This is a significant finding, as it helps us place the term within a specific historical period. While the concept might have been informally practiced before this, its formal appearance in print marks its entry into wider public usage. The verb “double-date” followed later, with its earliest known use appearing in 1946.
Theories about its Origin
The Simplistic Combination
One straightforward theory suggests that the term is simply a combination of the existing word “double,” meaning twice or two-fold, and “date,” referring to a social appointment between two people. As dating became a more recognized social activity, the idea of having two such pairings at once naturally led to the “double date.” This theory emphasizes the practical and descriptive nature of language evolution.
The Influence of Social Dynamics
Another theory considers the social dynamics of the era. As dating became less formal and more about shared experiences, a “double date” offered a more comfortable or less intense setting than a single one-on-one date. It could provide a sense of security, reduce awkwardness, and allow for a broader range of activities. The term likely arose to describe this specific social arrangement that offered these benefits.
A Convenient Arrangement
From a practical standpoint, a double date might have offered convenience for both couples. It could have made it easier to plan activities, split costs, or ensure that everyone had company. In a time when transportation and social opportunities might have been more limited for young people, pooling resources and companionship could have been a driving factor in the popularity and naming of this social event.
A Step Towards Commitment
It is also possible that “double dating” served as a transitional step in relationships. For new couples, it could be a less pressured way to introduce their partners to their friends. For more established couples, it could be a way to enjoy social outings with friends who were also in relationships, fostering a sense of shared experience and community among couples.
Imagined Origin – The “Double Header” Connection
One could also imagine a playful connection to the term “double header” from sports, which refers to two games played on the same day by the same teams. While purely speculative, the idea of two “events” (dates) happening together, or in conjunction, might have contributed to the “double” prefix becoming associated with this type of group outing. This highlights how new terms can sometimes be influenced by existing linguistic patterns, even if the connection isn’t direct.
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