Dating Scripts Revisited

Abstract

Using a method different from that of past studies, first-date scripts of heterosexual college students were reexamined. As expected, the new approach did not change the findings of earlier research. Despite egalitarian claims, the initial dating practices of students consistently appear to be primarily traditionalistic. Supporting the findings of past studies, the authors found that scripts for both sexes are well-known to both men and women, making the formats of first dates highly predictable. Current popular advice from dating guides reinforces “appropriate” behaviors and attends far more to differences between the sexes than to their similarities. The contemporary “semi-egalitarian, semi-traditional” perspectives of students may not serve them well in their longer term relationships.