Dating is one of the key components in having a successful and strong marriage. In my opinion, the term 'dating'has such an overrated meaning. I prefer to use "together" as in "How long have you guys been together", since it creates this sacred bond and has a lot more meaning towards a relationship. Dating someone is a journey, since in between all the conversations, arguments and laughs, you grow and learn with your partner and develop an understanding of who they are and begin to appreciate the little things. I believe in the process of dating, you test your relationship and analyze simple things that make a relationship stronger and special. The longer someone is in a relationship with another, the more comfortable they are with the person, and gain more respect for one another. I believe dating is the training wheels in a relationship - you test it out before you go off on your own, although it might be scary, overwhelming and exciting! Dating is an essential aspect because it may or may not lead to a marriage, and a marriage is one of the biggest commitment and milestone in ones life.