The Bible does not explicitly use the term 'dating,' but it provides clear principles for relationships by calling believers to honor God in all interactions. Reformed traditions emphasize that romantic pursuits should be governed by holiness, the goal of marriage in the Lord, and a commitment to protecting the purity of others.
The Scriptures teach that all relationships should be handled with a heart set on pleasing God. While the 1689 LBCF Ch.25 §3 emphasizes the duty of Christians to 'marry in the Lord,' avoiding being 'unequally yoked' with those who are wicked or maintain heresy, this wisdom begins long before the wedding day. Paul encourages that while singleness can be a gift, those who struggle with passion should pursue marriage as a holy remedy: 'But if they cannot have continency, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn' (1 Corinthians 7:9).
Romantic relationships are not exempt from the seventh commandment. The Westminster Larger Catechism Q.138 explains that this commandment requires 'chastity in body, mind, affections, words, and behavior,' as well as 'shunning all occasions of uncleanness.' When we date, we must view the other person not as an object for our own gratification, but as a brother or sister in Christ whose purity we are called to guard as fiercely as our own.
Ultimately, the Bible directs all of life—including how we relate to others—toward the glory of God. Just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25), our relationships should be characterized by self-sacrificial love rather than selfish desire. By saturating our lives with the 'holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation' (2 Timothy 3:15), we receive the light needed to walk in paths that honor Him, knowing that we are loved in Christ far more than we could ever hope.