While researchers have long examined the dating and mate selection patterns among young adults, the vast majority have utilized Western samples. In order to further our understanding of the changing nature of dating behaviors and attitudes, this study examines a sample of young Chinese adults and focuses upon the gender differences therein.

Using a foundation of social exchange theory, the analyses illustrate the differences between the dating attitudes and expectations of Chinese women and men. Per traditional expectations, both sexes place a low priority on sexual behaviors, yet more progressive attitudes and behaviors are also evident.

Dating arrangements in China predominantly lead to marriage or more that Chinese parents can feel that they are still upholding certain dating traditions.

If work or extended travel takes your family to China, it is important to have a working knowledge of Chinese customs and how these customs differ from American customs. This is especially important if you have teenage kids, because Chinese dating and marriage customs can be very different from those in the U. American teenagers are used to a dating culture where neither partner usually considers marriage until both partners are much older. Many American teenagers expect to date several people before they settle down with one person, and they may view dating during their teenage years as primarily for fun.

In cities like Beijing and Shanghai, some young people follow Westernized dating customs. Almost everywhere else in China, however, traditional attitudes to dating prevail. Dating is a form of courtship and is not casual. In traditional Chinese culture, boys and girls are introduced to each other in a group social setting. A girl would only agree to go out on a date with a boy if she were willing to consider marriage. Expectations about gender roles are much more conservative in traditional Chinese culture than in American culture.

If an American boy goes out to dinner with a Chinese girl and does not pay for her meal, the locals will view him he as having lost “face” or social status and they will regard him as a poor dating candidate.