No one will disagree that technological advancement has been a game changer. You can easily connect with another person that may be far away from your location. Nevertheless, this has revolutionized the dating system too. The confusion is often, can dating mean the same as hookup - interacting with someone on social media and having a committed relationship?
How is dating different from hookup?
Despite how interchangeably both words are used, there still exist tangible differences between the words. These are evident in the meaning of the words, their connotations, and other frequently asked questions.
Difference 1 - Commitment
Commitment begins with love. However, it goes beyond feelings. Dating means you expect a certain level of commitment from the other party. You will want to spend much time around them to know them. All the five love languages (acts of service, words of affirmation, physical touch, good gifts, and quality time) play an integral role when you are dating someone.
In hookup, it is basically for a sexual fling. You cannot expect any level of extra intimacy or further interaction from the person. For most people, they just want to have a one-night stand with the other party. Any extra attention may change the description from hookup to dating.
Difference 2 - Expectations or Disappointments
The common saying “when there are no expectations, there are no disappointments” is a valid litmus test for dating and hookup. Since it has been established that there is a high level of commitment in dating, it can never be out of place to have certain expectations. These expectations can be any or all of the aforementioned love languages.
On the other hand, hookup is more direct. It is all about getting laid and enjoying sexual intimacy. There can only be disappointment when this is not faithfully met. Even at that, the disappointment is minimal as “there are many fishes in the river.” You can always connect with other people that share similar interests on hookup sites.
Difference 3 - Love and Romance
Love and romance is an amazing experience for couples. The more beautiful part of it is that the feeling is only within marriage. Romance is not only intimacy but the feelings involved. In dating, there is love and romance, as partners have deep connections with themselves.
For hookup, they just want to enjoy sex. No one is disturbed or worried about romance but only their physical pleasure.
Difference 4 - Long Term Relationships
The major reason for dating is because people want to have long term relationships with a particular person. It helps to build trust and even enjoy a longer relationship called marriage. If they desire, they can have kids and everyone lives together as a family.
However, the case is different for hookup. Family planning is the last thing you want to discuss with a person you are just meeting for the first time. All talks are about sexual intimacy and nothing more (till another time for another sexual moment).
The Misconception and FAQs
Misconception
The reason for misconception is because of how adult sites have used the words for each other. Most refer to themselves as “Adult dating sites” while the reason people are there is only for hookup. No one has ruled out the possibility of finding love in this place, nevertheless, many users are only there to fulfill their immediate gratification and it ends there.
FAQs
Here are common questions people may have when it comes to comparing dating with hookup;
1. Can both words mean the same?
Literally, both words have their unique meaning. It is only due to its adopted usage that these words are now used to replace the other. Originally, the words have a distinct meaning which is as clear as the day.
2. Which is preferable?
Both words do not have the same implication. If you have followed this content patiently, you will realize that dating and hookup have their respective meanings.
As a human with their unique mind, you can choose to practise anyone. From earlier discussions, it is possible to find long-term commitment (dating) from hookup. Even though the chances are slim. In the same vein, you can enjoy your hookup sections if you are a liberal person. As a matter of fact there are tons of hookups for your kinkiest interest. Summarily, preference depends on you.