“Dating,” in these modern times, is considered a very casual meeting of two people who might or might not be seeing other people; “going out” refers to two people in a relationship where they are exclusive with each other and are not seeing anyone else.

Is going on a date dating?

Going on dates implies it is cool and casual. Dating is serious. Going on dates means you went out a couple of times. Dating means youve been going out enough times that you stopped counting.

Does going out mean a date?

In casual conversation, dating and going out are pretty much the same (and interchangeable). Hanging out is simply spending time with friends.

Was it a date or just hanging out?

If youre with a group of other people for the entire time, such as the other persons friend group, youre likely just hanging out. If you met via online dating through a dating app or an online dating website and this person asked you out after flirting for a couple of weeks, again, its likely a date.