double date
B1Informal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A social outing or date involving two romantic couples.
The event of going out as two couples together. Can also refer less commonly to the act of arranging or participating in such an outing (verb usage).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun phrase. The verb form 'to double-date' exists but is less frequent. Implies a shared, often lighthearted social experience rather than two separate dates occurring simultaneously.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb form 'to double-date' is slightly more common in American English.
Connotations
Neutral to positive; suggests a fun, relaxed social situation. In both varieties, it is associated with teenage/young adult culture and casual dating.
Frequency
Equally common and understood in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
go on a double date (with)double-date with (someone)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Not applicable.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation about social plans, relationships, and weekend activities.
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We're thinking of double-dating with Tom and Priya next weekend.
- They double-dated a few times before they all became good friends.
American English
- Do you want to double-date with us for the movies Friday?
- We haven't double-dated since college.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They went on a double date to the cinema.
- My sister suggested a double date so we could all try the new Italian restaurant.
- The prospect of a blind double date made him slightly nervous, but it turned out to be great fun.
- In an attempt to diffuse the initial awkwardness, they orchestrated a casual double date at a bustling street food market.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'double' as two couples, not two people. A 'double date' doubles the number of people on a standard date from two to four.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS A MATHEMATICAL OPERATION (doubling).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'двойное свидание' which is a direct calque but sounds unnatural. Use 'свидание двумя парами' or the descriptive phrase 'пойти куда-нибудь двумя парами'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it to mean a date with two potential partners (which is a 'date with two people'). Confusing it with simply being in a group of four friends.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'double date'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the verb form 'to double-date' (often hyphenated) is used, especially in American English. Example: 'We double-dated with them last night.'
No, it's common for both new and established couples. It's often a way for two couples who are friends to socialise together.
A 'double date' specifically involves two couples (four people total). A 'group date' can involve any number of people, not necessarily in established pairs, and often has more than four people.
Typically, no. The term implies both pairs are in a romantic relationship. If one pair are just friends, it would usually just be called 'going out as a group of four'.
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