Sociologists may study the effects of initial attraction or emotion and what other feelings are presented with it. In western society attraction may be defined as a desire for the person or object growing immensely over a short period of time. In non-western culture attraction or romance is typically accompanied by feelings of guilt or dread. Sociologists would study the sociological factors of what causes these phenomenas.
Dating is defined by a form of courtship, and may include any social activity undertaken by, typically, two persons with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a partner in an intimate relationship. Sociologists would study the phenomena of dating in a changing and expanding world. We are more connected through phones, the Internet and space as the population grows. How does this effect traditional concepts and dating? What are traditional forms of courtship and are those ideals still relevant and used?
The feminist movement changed many long-held notions of gender roles. While the western world still lives in a largely patriarchal society, how has the expansion of women's rights effected dating and romance?
Sociologists may study how traditional dating has changed over time in our society and around the world. What was dating like in the 50s? How were men and women "supposed" to act in a relationship compared to commonly held beliefs today? With so many changes throughout recent history, have stereotypical beliefs of men and women been effected?