Does the Bible talk about dating / courting?

from the old testament

• Before engaging in a romantic relationship, it is wise to seek advice from trusted family or friends. We see this in Genesis 24 when Abraham asks his servant to find a bride for his son, Isaac.
• In verses 1-9 Abraham instructs his servant to (1) only choose a woman who is from their homeland, and (2) only choose a woman who is willing to leave everything behind her and follow the servant. The latter instruction was likely to test her willingness to take a leap of faith.
• In verses 10-13, we see that prayer should also be a part of the evaluation process. The servant does not merely rely on himself to find a wife for his master’s son; he implores God to grant him success in his mission.
• In verses 13-14, the servant asks God to make it clear whom the bride of Isaac shall be based on her extravagant kindness: "Let the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who shall say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master." If the young woman was willing to draw water for ten camels (for a complete stranger) it would ultimately be a testament of her godly character.
• Is the person you are dating loving and considerate toward others? Similar to Rebekah’s kindness winning her favor in the sight of Abraham’s servant, it says in Proverbs 19:22 that what makes a man desirable is his “steadfast love.”
• Does the man you are dating have anger issues? Does he lack self-control? In Proverbs 25:28, it says that “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Do not date someone whose ungodly behavior could wreck your family or leave you vulnerable to an attack.
• Is the woman you are interested in quarrelsome? If she is argumentative now, just imagine having to deal with the inevitable conflict she will bring upon you for the rest of your life! Trying to restrain her will be futile, like trying to “restrain the wind” or “grasp oil in one’s hand” (Proverbs 27:15-16).
• We are also given a solemn warning in Proverbs 31:30 to not be fooled by external qualities like beauty or charm in a partner but instead put value on that person’s reverence for God: “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”

from the new testament

• Our dating partner must be a Christian (John 3:3–8).
• It is unwise to enter close partnerships (including dating/marriage) with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14–15).
• Does the person seek others’ best interests (Philippians 2:4)?
• Is Christ-centered character apparent in their life (Romans 12:1–2)?
• Do they seek to grow in their relationship with Christ (John 15:1-17)?
• Does the person prioritize his or her relationship with God over all others—even you (Matthew 10:37)?
• Are they removing idols from their life (Colossians 3:5)?
• Is the person you want to date committed to abstaining from sex until marriage (1 Corinthians 6:9)? Though many in society engage in so-called casual sex or even serial monogamy in committed dating, there is no place in biblical dating or courtship for sex.

implications for today

Dating is a time in which we get to know someone on a deeper level. We discover that person’s personality, likes and dislikes, and hopes and dreams. Whether dating or courting, men and women should treat each other with the same respect and purity they extend to their other brothers and sisters in Christ. Marriage involves constant displays of selfless love, so it is wise to identify that love in a person's life before entering into a lifelong commitment. Whether a dating relationship turns into a marriage or not, it is an opportunity to get to know someone on a deeper level, grow in our relationship with Christ, and ultimately extend God's love to that person. Dating is meant to be an evaluation process that helps move us toward a conclusion: marriage or the breaking off of a romantic relationship.