“I’m Not Dating Right Now”

I’m ALWAYS confused when I hear someone say this.

You’re single.

 

You value interactions with the opposite (or same) sex in a romantic capacity.

 

Members of the opposite sex still approach you, with explicit romantic intention, and you provide them with your contact information.

But you say you aren’t dating.

What does this “mean”?

 

If you and a male/female suitor spend time together in what, for all intents and purposes, reads as a date, is it in fact NOT a date because you aren’t dating?

Are you simply not entertaining anyone for a potential mate at the present time? Well what happens if you start to like a person?

Are you just smashing?

 

Someone please help me out cause I don’t get it.

–Bridge