Definition of date to

The phrase "date to" is a colloquial expression often used in American English. Its origin is traced back to the mid-20th century, specifically the 1940s and 1950s. At that time, the phrase was commonly heard in teenage slang, especially among high school students. It was used to indicate the expected duration or timeframe of a romantic relationship. The term "date" refers to a social engagement or outing between two people, usually with the intention of pursuing a romantic relationship. By adding "to" to the end of the word "date," the phrase "date to" emphasizes the expected duration of the relationship. For example, someone might say, "They've been dating to gradation," meaning that the couple has been romantically involved since their high school graduation. Alternatively, "They're just dating to see if it works out," implies that they are testing the waters of the relationship without committing fully. While the usage of "date to" is still prevalent in contemporary language, it is now employed less frequently than it was in the past, with more formal expressions such as "dating," "going steady," or "in a relationship" gaining more popularity. Nevertheless, this idiomatic phrase continues to be a part of the English lexicon, particularly among teens and young adults.