LDS Youth Dating Ideas

Trying out a local pizza parlor is a fun and appropriate activity for young men and women who are courting.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sets high standards for courtship for young adults. They are expected to wait until the age of 16 to begin dating. Also, they are encouraged to introduce their parents to their dates and to plan group or double dates. Dating should provide a way for the couple get to know each other while staying pure and virtuous.

Entertainment

Going out and enjoying some form of entertainment is an engaging way to get to know your date. Movies are a traditional date night activity, even though they don't really give a couple a chance to talk unless dinner is part of the package. Playing board games can be entertaining and gives you a chance to interact with your date. Video games can spark friendly competition. Attend an outdoor concert or do some people watching in the park. Attend a play. If you have a local playhouse, attend the dress rehearsal as it's often free. Some local events listed in the newspaper are inexpensive or free that are appropriate for a date.

Activities

Participating in an activity brings you and your date closer together as you enjoy playing together. Play mini golf or go bowling. Join in a game of pickup basketball down at the park. Go ice skating during open rink hours at an indoor rink; or when it's cold enough, skate at an outdoor rink. Take a hike together or ride your bikes on the trails. Indulge your inner child by playing hopscotch, having water balloon fights or building a snowman. Splash in puddles on a rainy day. Go tree climbing. Spend time collecting shells on the beach or finding interesting rocks in the woods. You should not have to spend a lot of money to have fun getting to know each other.

Dining

Dining out is another traditional date activity. Eating out can be fun when you go on a double date or large group. Go out for coffee and dessert, and order a few different desserts to share. Go to a pizza parlor and order odd topping combinations and see which ones you like best. Pack a picnic and eat outdoors at the beach, the park or in your back yard. Cook dinner together for a group of friends. Host a potluck, and assign each couple invited to bring one thing. Have an ice cream sundae party and assign prizes for the best looking sundaes and the best flavor combinations. Dining together allows young couples to interact socially while enjoying a meal. Serious couples also may consider eating meals with family members so they can build relationships as well.

Educational

Educational dates are a fun way to explore new interests together. Attend a museum or an art show. Free and discount passes to museums are sometimes available at local libraries and community centers. Take a one-day course to learn something fun, such as cooking, pottery or charcoal sketching. Go to a lecture or a youth retreat where speakers are giving inspirational talks about religion, motivation or life lessons. Take a tour of a nearby city. Go to the zoo or the aquarium and learn about wildlife. Take in an IMAX movie or see a planetarium show. Learning new things gives you and your date lots of things to talk about and makes a more interesting date. Engaging in educational activities helps keep your mind occupied, making it easier to uphold values and stay pure.

References

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Dating and Courtship
• Light Planet: Fun Things to Do on a Date
• LDS Today: Young Women's Page