What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dating
Example
I'm dating someone new, and we're really hitting it off. [dating: present participle]
Example
They went on a date to the movies last night. [date: noun]
romance
Example
He was swept away by the romance of the moment and proposed on the spot. [romance: noun]
Example
She loves reading romance novels because they make her feel hopeful about love. [romance: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dating is a more common term used in everyday language, while romance is often used in a literary or poetic context. Dating is a more practical and goal-oriented approach to finding a partner, while romance is associated with a more emotional and idealistic approach.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dating and romance?
Dating is a more neutral and versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Romance, on the other hand, is often associated with a more poetic and literary tone, making it more suitable for informal or creative writing.