How to say "dating" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

日付ひづけJLPT N3approx.Common
nounThis is the calendar date itself — the date you write on a letter or form. Despite the 'dating' gloss, it is never the word for going out with someone romantically.
その手紙てがみの日付ひづけはいつですか。↗
What's the date of the letter?
交際こうさいJLPT N3approx.Common
noun, suru verb, intransitive verbThis is dating in the romantic sense: two people seeing each other or being involved. Use it when talking about whether a couple is dating or how long they have been.
その男おとこは妻つまと交際こうさいし始はじめた。↗
The man took up with his wife.

Choose 交際 for romantic dating between two people; 日付 means a calendar date, so despite its 'dating' gloss it is never the word for going out with someone.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

日付ひづけdate
年代測定ねんだいそくていage determination
交際こうさい(romantic) involvement

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

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