Courtship=It is engaged in for exploring a relationship for marriage. Dating=It is engaged in for the purpose of personal gratification. Courtship=It is a means to an end. It is engaged in only when ready to marry. Dating=It is an end in itself. It is engaged in years before ready to marry, or as a substitute for marriage. Courtship= It requires parental involvement (except with remarriage). Dating=It generally discourages parental involvement. Courtship=It limits the number of premarital relationships developed. Dating=It provides extensive opportunities to develop multiple relationships. Courtship= It considers all physical contact a privilege of those who have bound themselves for life with marriage vows. Dating=It promotes various levels of physical contact, from holding hands to fornication. Courtship=It rarely leaves couples alone or unchaperoned. Dating=It provides extensive time for unmarried couples to be alone.