Dating customs in the US may be very different from home. The rules about consent are important and serious.
People meet through friends, work, school, hobbies and dating apps (Hinge, Bumble, Tinder and others).
A first date is often short: coffee, a drink or a walk.
Who pays differs. Many people split the bill or take turns. It is fine to offer: "Can we split it?"
"Dating" someone does not mean you are a couple. People often ask directly: "Are we exclusive?"
Families are usually not involved in early dating.
Consent means a clear, freely given yes to sexual activity, each time.
Silence is not yes. "Maybe" is not yes.
Someone who is very drunk, asleep or unconscious cannot consent.
A person can change their mind at any moment.
Being married, dating, or having said yes before does not mean consent now.
If you are unsure, ask: "Is this okay?"
Sexual activity without consent is a serious crime in every state. The legal age of consent differs by state (16 to 18). This differs by state.
Repeated unwanted messages, comments on someone's body, or following someone after they say no is harassment.
At work and school, sexual harassment is against the law and rules. You can report it to HR or the school's Title IX office.
Meet in a public place the first few times. Tell a friend where you are.
Never send money to someone you met online. Romance scams are common.
Do not share explicit photos. They can be used for sextortion (threats to share them unless you pay).
Same-sex marriage is legal in every state.
You will see LGBTQ+ people openly at work, in school, in families and on TV. Many workplaces and schools have LGBTQ+ groups.
Some people tell you their pronouns (he, she, they). Using the pronouns someone asks for is respectful.
Attitudes differ by region and community, but discrimination at work based on sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under federal law.
If you are LGBTQ+, there are community centers, support groups and religious communities that welcome you in most cities.
Thinking that buying dinner means the other person owes you something.
Continuing to message after someone stops answering.
Making comments about LGBTQ+ coworkers. It can be treated as harassment.