View all slides | Contents of this slide

Lecture Notes

The college environment is important not only for intellectual development but also for social development. The social aspects of the college setting provide opportunities for meeting others.

 

Dating in college is similar to high school dating in many ways. It may be formal or informal. It may be for recreation or for finding a mate. Features that distinguish college dating from high school dating, however, include:

the more independent setting (away from home, with diminished parental influence)

the increased maturity of partners

more gender role flexibility

the increased legitimacy of sexual interactions

<br />For most college students, love and dating become qualitatively different during emerging adulthood, with more focus on sexuality as it relates to developing one's own identity.