Even after this, the Church discourages youth from entering serious relationships before they are considering marriage.

The right age for marriage depends on whether you’re a man or a woman. Men can marry after completing their mission trip—in their early 20s at the earliest. Women can marry after graduating high school. You can still date even if you’re not looking for a partner. Dating can help you learn what you value in other people. It can also be the basis for forming important friendships and learning important social skills. [2] X Research source

Wearing nice clothes shouldn’t be your only focus. Take good care of your hygiene as well. Be courteous and polite. Treat others with kindness and respect.

Avoid prolonged physical contact at first, including kissing and holding hands. A brief hug is fine, but lingering or forced contact is not appropriate. Don’t other people the idea that you’re an exclusive couple. This is especially true when you’re around others. Public displays of affection show a lack of self-control and can be considered disrespectful to others. You open displays can make other people feel uncomfortable. Be willing to date other people. The goal of dating is to broaden your social circle and learn more about yourself. Don’t try to be exclusive with just one person—go on dates with as many people as you can.

There’s a current shortage of men in LDS circles due to them leaving the Church in their early 20s. This means there’ll be plenty of girls looking for a date, and you can be as choosy as you’d like. [6] X Research source

Group dates can be a good idea even for serious relationships because they’ll allow you and your girlfriend to see how you interact with other people. [8] X Research source Make sure everyone involved is a couple, or at least paired with someone. Otherwise, you’ll risk having an awkward mix between dating and hanging out.

Don’t get into long-distance relationships or date someone you meet while on mission. They’re both distractions.

Even if you don’t observe the Sabbath yourself, you should still respect your girlfriend’s faith.

Take care of the rest of your appearance as well. Maintain good hygiene and be well-groomed.

The Church has recently clarified its position on caffeine. “Hot drinks,” which refers to coffee or tea are not okay, but sodas are perfectly fine. [13] X Research source

You join the LDS Church. This is obviously a big step for you, so be sure you have learned about the Church’s beliefs and teachings. She converts to your religion. If she’s interested in converting, be ready to discuss your beliefs, and help her find ways to learn about and follow them. Alternatively, neither of you converts. If you’re both comfortable having different faiths, you can still have a rewarding and fulfilling relationship. [15] X Research source Keep in mind, however, that interfaith marriages are unusual for Mormons, so it could be difficult for your relationship to last.

If all you are looking for is some non-serious dates to have a good time, you should be fine.

Be specific when you ask her and make it clear that you want to go on a date. Say “Would you like to go on a date with me?” Follow up with something specific, such as: “Do you want to see a movie on Friday afternoon?” If she can’t go on that day and time, she may work with you to find an alternative.

Some good ideas include going on a walk or a hike, going to a museum, or having a picnic outside. You could even do these as a group date, which may make her more comfortable in the early stages of your relationship. Service is important in the Mormon faith, so she might like doing something that will help others, like helping someone clean their yard. The important thing is doing it together. Plan ahead so that you don’t run into problems, like sold-out movie tickets. Make reservations early, and tell her where you’re going so that she can dress appropriately for the occasion. [19] X Research source

Dates don’t have to be fancy and expensive. Try doing something simple, like going for a walk or playing a game. The important thing is that you’re get to know one another. Later on, you shouldn’t always be paying. If your relationship is moving forward, or she suggests doing something more expensive, it is not inappropriate for her to help pay as well.