blind date

A blind date is a romantic meeting between two people who have never met before. After a blind date they can decide either they want to be in a relationship or not. Etymology The term "blind date" derives from its constituent words, "blind" (i.e., something done without knowledge of certain facts) and "date" (i.e., a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character). Coined in the United States during the 1920s, it originally referred to the activity itself (1921), then later to the participants (1925). Structure A blind date is arranged by a mutual acquaintance of both participants. The two people who take part in the blind date may have never met or seen each other, hence the phrase "blind date". Therefore, it is the responsibility of the acquaintance who arranges the date to ensure that they are a good match. Sometimes one person is more interested than the other, which may make it more difficult on the person arranging the date to judge whether the date will be successful. The date is usually two hours or less, as it is just a first date and is really meant to introduce the two people more than it is meant to create a relationship. Furthermore, due to the unfamiliarity of the two people, the date is shorter than most because they are in the beginning stages of a relationship. The date is also very adventurous in the way that neither party knows what to expect and whether or not they will hit it off. The location of the date is also affected by the spontaneity in that it is often a neutral and public place so that both parties feel comfortable.