Confused - can someone please explain why making out comes before dating?

Remember Professor Henry Higgins from "Pygmalion"/"My Fair Lady"? In a spot on song he asks, "Why can't the English teach there children how to speak?" and somewhat latter comments that..."In America they haven't used it for years." Meaning proper English...which he also addresses when he says, "But use proper English and you'll be regarded as a freak..." all of which is and is not correct. I received a very proper schooling in English, but in South Africa. When I moved to the United States people admired my deep plums-in-the-mouth accent but couldn't understand me. The accent was a casualty but many of the words and phrases stuck with me. To me a date simply means an appointed time at which two people will meet. Which would suggest that if one is dating, then, simply, you and another are having a series of coordinated encounters but, of course, that's not how it's meant. "Dating" here in the United States implies that you and another person are having some form of relationship that goes a bit beyond just a perfunctory meeting to do whatever. As to "making out", of course I'm old but...I had always thought that it was an activity used in coordination with but not in advance of "dating". I would find it odd to "make out" with some one and then, really as an after thought, inquire as to their name. But, again, I'm old and still prefer to be introduced with my whole name or, in a more formal setting, my appropriate title and my last name. And then there are the expression that litter English from disparate countries. To this day I reference the High Street which perplexes my American friends as they are unaware of a street called High. Ditto Trunk calls, making a booking for a meal at a restaurant....you can begin to fill in the blanks. Worse, there are South African expressions that are meaningless in either the home counties or North America but are easily understood. In Cape Town.

Yours is no lack of understanding, it's just that slang and casual speaking dominates every country to the exclusion of understanding by others. Do as I do and ask for definitions. Of course, you will be thought odd-and you'll also find how few can adequate define what they've just said-but you will stand, confused, but informed. Best of it to you.

Hi I'm from Australia

As far as most regular adult relationships go, dating (or going out, seeing each other) commonly starts with minor kissing, and progress to making out along the way.

However younger people tend to jump the gun and go all in making out before any relationship is introduced, and some adults of course.

All depends on the circumstances of how a couple meet and start something more than friendship really, you dont always have to follow a guideline of how things should be done or in what order. Do what feels right and natural or appropriate.

I think in america 'dating' translates to seeing eachother in england. I think. Thats what i get anyway. Whereas dating in england obviously means going out on dates.

you gotta test drive the car before you buy it

Guess it depends what school you went to?!