What to Do
If dating is unbiblical (and it is), what can the Christian do?
First, read: God Says and believe that He knows best. It was God that brought Eve to Adam. Adam was first prepared to know that he needed a soul mate and then the soul mate was prepared from Adam for Adam. Read Genesis Chapter 2.
God's answer for dating is betrothal. The betrothal process was for a year and it gave the couple authorization to cultivate their emotions of love toward one another.
Dating is seen by some as a preparation for marriage. See Surveys. Others see it as an end in itself. Dating is a good way; however, to know a lot of people. Our teens have been bombarded with lustful and sensual images, commercials, movies, magazines, intimate peer discussions etc. This is a major hormonal problem. without the betrothal obligation, couples develop a "shopping" mentality. You know, the shop til you drop concept and if you decide later that you don't want it, take it back and shop for something different. Like money, dating is often misused. You should not bother to date/shop or look until you can afford to commit to a life long relationship.
"But it is just a date," you say
That rationalization has caused a great deal of misery in this country. Dates can lead to romance and broken hearts. You should not date until you are ready to commit. Dating does not lead to accountability or family protection. the second most important decision that a young person can make is allowed too casually. Remember when we make commitments, we stimulate:
Thinking about dating, remember even young people should be focused on working on their character, life skills, and ministry opportunities. God has called young people to be about His work and not the selfish things of the world. The idea about the courtship aspect of the betrothal process is that the Father trains the children, protects his children and then gives them. During this process the suitor is "checked" out. You could say that this takes the romance out and that is an acceptable thing to say but remember we are commanded to love the one that you marry
Happiness which leads to joy, is from virtue not marriage.