Human mating is the process whereby an individual seeks out another individual with the intention of forming a long-term intimate relationship or marriage, but sometimes for casual relationship or friendship. The human desire for companionship is one of the strongest human drives. It is an innate feature of human nature.
The mating process encompasses the social and cultural processes whereby one person may meet another to assess suitability, the courtship process and the process of forming an interpersonal relationship.
Social occasions
Social occasions are frequently arranged to enable people looking for a partner to meet. Such occasions may be parties of all types and social dances. Sometimes attendance at churches or similar venues would also act as occasions for people to meet.
In many cultural traditions, a date may be arranged by a third party, who may be a family member, acquaintance, or professional matchmaker.
In some cultures, a marriage may be arranged by the couple's parents or an outside party. Recently internet dating has become popular.
