dating verbal noun. ['deɪtɪŋ] L17.
[from DATE verb + -ING¹.]
1. gen. The action of DATE verb. L17.

2. (A particular technique used in) the determination of the age of a rock, fossil, archaeological specimen, etc. E20.
carbon dating, potassium-argon dating, radiocarbon dating, rubidium-strontium dating, tree-ring dating, etc.

3. The act or practice of making dates (DATE noun² 5), esp. regularly. colloq. M20.

Comb.:
dating agency a service which arranges introductions for people seeking romantic partners with similar interests.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲