Going on a date might be the beginning of blossoming love, or it can be as grim and horrifying as being in a plane crashing at full speed.
Sometimes a date falls somewhere in the middle of these extremes, leaving those involved uncertain about how it went.
Welcome to the world of dating. There are crushes, calculated text messages and uncertainty about who likes who. But when someone finally makes a move, how is a date defined? Who should pay and should daters expect a kiss or more at the end of the night?
"When dating in college, be true to yourself and don't do anything to keep a relationship going that doesn't feel right or safe," said Michelle Givertz, a communication professor. "Also, don't be afraid to date different people to learn about yourself and your preferences in dating."
Some students have developed specific dating rules.
"A guy has to formally ask me out on a date. It's not just 'Let's hang out,'" said student Ashley Langenberg. "A date should be in an intimate setting at dinner or a movie, not in a group or at the bars."
But there don't seem to be rules about physical action at the end of a date, Langenberg said. It depends on the people and the situation, but it's always more fun to get a kiss.
Student Mitch Beddoe has his own guidelines.
"A date usually involves food, and the guy pays even if he's broke," Beddoe said. "It's nice to open doors for the girl, and a little alcohol helps to take the edge off any nervousness."
One of the best and most recent dates Beddoe went on was at Monks Wine Lounge and Bistro, he said. He knew the woman liked wine, so he took her there.
To make a date a good one, it's important to pick up on clues about what the woman's favorite meal is and what she likes to do, he said.
When getting to know a woman, playing a little hard to get is key, Beddoe said. Waiting awhile to text back and not acting overly interested makes a person more desirable.
And while some dates go well, others don't always have such good luck.
"I went on a blind date one time and it was awful," said student Greg Pope. "The girl and I were total binary opposites."
The two weren't into the same music and didn't have anything in common, he said.
But when a date does go well, it's important to pay attention to see if physical contact might happen, Pope said.
"You don't want to seem desperate or smother her right away," he said. "Pay attention to body language."
Some students take the blind date approach, but others try dating their friends.
"I went on a date with one of my closest friends," said freshman Mayra Rosalas. "We went to the beach and dinner, and it was one of the best dates I've been on."
It was a chance to get to know each other better, Rosalas said. She knew she could trust him and was comfortable around him.
The two started dating.
But while some dates are comfortable and enjoyable, some are awkward.
"My worst date was when the girl was really sick," said student Ramon Sanchez. "She was constantly blowing her nose throughout the night, and I kept wondering why she didn't call to reschedule. I didn't want to get sick, too."
This particular date didn't amount to much, but if a date is going well it can include dinner, a movie and maybe a trip to the bars, Sanchez said. But the talking has to happen before going to the bars.
"If there's a good dance floor at the bar, it's a good place to get your rub on but not to talk because it's too loud," he said.
There are many opportunities to date in college and fun to be had. But with every experience there is room for trial and error.
"Whether you're on a first date or have been dating for awhile, the truth is that communication is always important," Givertz said. "Don't repeat mistakes you've made in past relationships - take notes and make changes."
Sara Nielsen can be reached at snielsen@theorion.com
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