Dating relationships range from informal casual dating to involved, steady relationships, with steady
dating being more common among older adolescents. (Wartenberg/Picture Press/Corbis)a time similar to their friends may be dropped from
peer groups, and adolescent females who do not date
demonstrate delayed social development, increased
dependence on their parents, and feelings of insecu-
rity.
Similar issues exist for gay and lesbian teens.
While it is common for the preadolescent teen to be
attracted to or develop a crush on someone of the
same sex, research indicates that sexual orientation
typically emerges by eighteen years of age and that
homosexual youth report feeling different at an early
age. With far fewer opportunities for dating and mini-
mal support for developing same-sex romantic rela-
tionships, teens in this group may be deprived of the
opportunity to date those to whom they feel most at-
tracted. This social disapproval may interfere with the
development of intimacy, and lack of participation in
satisfying relationships may lead to feelings of inade-
quacy, which could in turn impair development of
friendships as well as other relationships later in
adulthood. Parents of homosexual teens need to let
their children know their love is unconditional as they
demonstrate their support and acceptance.
Conclusions
Dating during the years of child development
clearly affects both personal and social growth as the
individual works to acquire skills related to interact-
ing with others. While not without its challenges, the
dating experience can provide positive feedback to
adolescents as well as a sense of interpersonal attach-
ment with their peers. Relationships gained through
dating then prepare adolescents for continued emo-
tional growth into adulthood.See also: ADOLESCENCE; SEXUAL ACTIVITY; SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
Bibliography
Adams, Gerald, Thomas Gullotta, and Carol Markstrom-Adams.
Adolescent Life Experiences, 3rd edition. Pacific Grove, CA:
Brooks/Cole, 1994.
Bennett, Larry, and Susan Fineran. ‘‘Sexual and Severe Physical Vi-
olence among High School Students: Power Beliefs, Gender,
and Relationships.’’ American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 68
(1998):645–652.
Brooks, Jane. The Process of Parenting, 4th edition. Mountain View,
CA: Mayfield, 1996.
Conger, John, and Anne Petersen. Adolescence and Youth, 3rd edi-
tion. New York: Harper and Row, 1984.DATING 109