LDS Suggestions and Guidelines for Righteous Dating

Plan Simple and Inexpensive Dates, While Holding Firm High Standards

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As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have high standards regarding LDS dating.

Mormon Youth Are Counseled to Wait to Date

LDS youth are counseled to not date until they are at least 16 years old. The guideline to wait to date is inspired counsel from Latter-day prophets. When followed, it brings blessings.

Hazards exist if you date before you are emotionally and mentally able to deal with the physical feelings that come from serious relationships.

Only Date Those With High Moral Standards

When choosing someone to date, look for and date only those people who have high moral standards. If you are unsure, at least wait until you are sure of that person's character. A good question to ask yourself when contemplating a possible date is to ask yourself if the person lives gospel standards.

Do not date someone you know will tempt you to compromise your standards or your virtue. It is better to not date then to date someone who does not respect you. As a son or daughter of God, you have a right to be respected, as well as respect those you date.

Avoid Dating Anyone Who Cannot Marry in the Temple

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ, you are strongly encouraged to only date other members of our faith. Because of our high standards, we believe in only dating those who respect and keep the commandments of Jesus Christ.

The experiences you gain from dating will prepare you for a temple marriage. The chances for a happy, healthy temple marriage are much greater if you only date other Latter-day Saints who uphold the same standards.

Refrain From Steady Dating

Youth should avoid dating the same person too regularly. It is also best to wait until you are older to steadily date someone, such as after high school and even after a mission. Former president and prophet Gordon B. Hinckley warned:

Steady dating at an early age leads so often to tragedy. Studies have shown that the longer a boy and girl date one another, the more likely they are to get into trouble.

It is better, my friends, to date a variety of companions until you are ready to marry. Have a wonderful time, but stay away from familiarity. Keep your hands to yourself. It may not be easy, but it is possible.

Group and Double Dating

When you start dating and throughout your youth, it is best to date in groups or go on double dates. A double date is when you and your date pair up with another couple. A group date is when three or more couples participate in a date together.

Dating with other couples is a lot of fun! Not only does it make conversation easier, but there is always a lot more laughter when people pair up and go on group dates together. Group and double dating also help keep things appropriate.

LDS Dating and the Law of Chastity

One of God's greatest commandments is to keep the law of chastity, which means to not have any sexual activity outside of marriage. While dating you should always respect both yourself and your date by refraining from thinking, saying or doing anything that stimulates feelings of desire and arousal.

Preparing for a Mission and Temple Marriage

Keeping the law of chastity while dating is one of the most important ways to remain worthy when preparing for a mission and/or a temple marriage. When dating, do not do anything that will endanger your worthiness to serve a mission and enter the Lord's holy temple.

Learning how to control yourself while dating will greatly help prepare you for a strong, spiritual future.

Fun, Yet Simple, LDS Dating Ideas

Dating does not have to be expensive! Extravagant, expensive dates will unnecessarily limit your dating experiences. Simple, inexpensive dates will increase your dating experiences and the number of people you are acquainted with.

Dating can be fun as you remember your standards and refrain from becoming too serious too soon. The time will eventually come when you will be ready to prepare for temple marriage through steady dating and courtship. Until then, choose to uphold your standards and follow the Lord's counsel while dating.

Updated by Krista Cook.

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Bruner, Rachel. "LDS Suggestions and Guidelines for Righteous Dating." Learn Religions, Jul. 31, 2021, learnreligions.com/lds-suggestions-for-righteous-dating-2159277. Bruner, Rachel. (2021, July 31). LDS Suggestions and Guidelines for Righteous Dating. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/lds-suggestions-for-righteous-dating-2159277 Bruner, Rachel. "LDS Suggestions and Guidelines for Righteous Dating." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/lds-suggestions-for-righteous-dating-2159277 (accessed March 19, 2024).