the.com/courting
dating with paperwork intentions, before swiping was a verb.
means the formal, deliberate process of pursuing someone for marriage, usually with families watching and rules attached.
from from old french 'court,' the royal court, where wooing a lady meant literally performing manners and status in front of an audience — courtship was theater before it was romance.
chaperones requiredunmarried couples were rarely left alone, ever
bundlingcolonial couples slept clothed, boarded, in same bed
calling cardssuitors left engraved cards to signal intent
porch swingsexisted mainly to court in public view
for instance
victorian england — suitors needed a father's permission before speaking to a daughter alone
amish rumspringa — courting still often happens via chaperoned buggy rides today
jane austen novels — entire plots hinge on who is 'calling on' whom