There is no mention of the term nor (more importantly) the concept of dating in the bible. The only mention of anything close to a pre-marital, "relationship", is the betrothal or espousal. This is essentially an engagement. Following are the definitions for these biblical terms.

Betroth

To promise "by one’s truth." Men and women were betrothed when they were engaged to be married. This usually took place a year or more before marriage. From the time of betrothal the woman was regarded as the lawful wife of the man to whom she was betrothed De 28:30 Jud 14:2,8 Mt 1:18-21 The term is figuratively employed of the spiritual connection between God and his people Ho 2:19,20

Espouse

2Sa 3:14 to betroth. The espousal was a ceremony of betrothing, a formal agreement between the parties then coming under obligation for the purpose of marriage. Espousals are in the East frequently contracted years before the marriage is celebrated. It is referred to as figuratively illustrating the relations between God and his people. Jer 2:2 Mt 1:18 2Co 11:2

Dating or pre-marital relationships is relatively a new phenomenon. Touching between two unmarried people is not wise at all. As the Lord God is the source of all the wisdom that is from above (which is first of all pure), He has included in the Bible the following advice, that for a man or woman (unmarried people obviously) to touch each other physically, is not good.(1 Cor 7:1) Now, the very thought of, "dating" conjures up the idea of touching, holding hands, kissing etc.

The devil won't go to two persons and say, "Ok, you've just met, now commit sexual immorality; do it!" No, he is very easygoing, casual and he will simply suggest just how nice one can feel when they touch one another and then how, "special" it feels to hold hands and kiss and so on. The world system (the devil's system) plays on the emotions of unsuspecting young and old, innocent individuals and quickly gets them corrupted by not only introducing the ideas but by luring them to actually do these things in practice. In biblical times it was not proper and neither was it proper until a few years ago (relatively speaking). In fact just to give an example of how the devil conditions the world to increase in this type of foolish, emotionally handicapping behavior, please observe the following statement.

First, pre-marital sex was sinful and forbidden before marriage. Then it was forbidden only if you were, "too young to understand its meaning and significance.” Finally, now it has become very satanic and humanistic: “Make sure you really love the other person and then and only then should you have sexual relations with them.”

Notice how much more wicked the world has become? Truly, we are in the last days. First, even many, “old-fashioned” unbelievers believed that it was wrong outside of marriage to have sexual contact. Soon after, though it has become an issue which is really now "relative". That is it is, "relative" to your age or "relative" to your actual feelings for the other person. Never mind the God-ordained context of marriage which is the only place it can occur. Notice how God’s truth is considered, “old fashion” these days especially. Who is behind this type of thinking? Satan!

Fornication or pre-marital(and extra-marital; outside of marriage as well) sexual intercourse is absolutely forbidden by God.

It will destroy a person and leave terrible scars (emotional and other kinds) for the rest of their life. This is not to mention the deadly diseases that are rampant these days which immediately threaten the very life of an individual engaging in immoral behavior (even if they or, “protected” with some kind of device. “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Cor. 6:18, 19

When we do what God says, it is for our own good. Everything God commands us to do is good for us only. We need to really understand and receive this truth so we will enjoy obeying Him more. Of course, whether we feel like it or not we must obey Him. However, when we understand just how Good and Wise our Heavenly is, then we have no problem at all obeying the Life-giving, Life-preserving commandments that He gives us.

It is very clear that God does not want a man and woman (or boy and girl) to touch each other at all because it will inevitably lead to stimulation of certain unwanted feelings which will ruin them. 1 Cor. 7:1

Now, what will happen when a person is alone with a member of the opposite sex?

1. It is very easy for Satan to begin his deadly work of attracting the two to each other and if he can, the devil will try his maximum to make them, “love sick” for one another.
2. Next, in the name of, “love” , he will try to stimulate them through the weakness of their flesh and by inputing worldy thoughts and amusements, to touch each other.
3. Finally, the devil will be anxiously waiting for pre-marital sexual contact to occur.

Why put yourself in such a situation in the first place? Wait on God in faithful prayer and He Himself will bring you the right spouse for you.

Dating trains people for divorce when they in fact get married in the future. How? What does a person who is dating another person do when they are no longer interested in that other person? Leave them of course! Why? There is no punishment, no legal repercussions, no problem! Getting intimately and emotionally involved with a person and then breaking up with them and going to the next victim is just a rehearsal for divorce. Also, don’t listen to the world’s music and entertainment which will always show how glamorous it is to sin and rouse up the emotions unnecessarily.

Use the precious time God has given you as a single person to do God’s ministry(live the Word and evangelize and edify your neighbors) and wait for God’s time and His choice for a marriage partner for you. You will never be disappointed when you trust God with all of your needs and desires.

And you won’t have to live with painful emotional scars for the rest of your life. You can have a clear conscience before God and man. A clear conscience like this is the perfect ground for Jesus to build on in order to make you a powerful weapon against the kingdom of darkness.

He will give great spiritual gifts and you won’t be like the rest of the sorry crowd who is forever immature, emotionally and spiritually, carnally minded.

Instead, you will be a leader helping others who are caught in the, “dating game “ to get out and receive forgiveness and healing provided they repent sincerely before God.