courtships
Paths toward marriage
Courtships is the plural of courtship, the period during which two people develop a romantic relationship, typically with marriage as the goal.
The word evokes a more formal or old-fashioned approach to romance than modern dating: Victorian courtships were heavily chaperoned.
Courtship also describes animal mating behaviors: The peacock's elaborate courtship display.
Romantic pursuit of another
- suitorsThose pursuing marriage
- proposalsFormal offers or plans
- datingPursuing romantic connections
- betrothalsFormal marriage pledges
engagements · admirers · flirtations · serenades · love letters · bouquets · declarations · pursuing
Reproductive pairing behavior
- displaysVisual presentations or screens
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
- dancesRhythmic musical movements
birdsong · pheromones · nesting · preening · strutting · peacocks · bowerbirds · antlers
Put into order
- matchmakersThose who arrange unions
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
- customsTraditional practices or import taxes
families · negotiations · alliances · introductions · chaperoned · formal · etiquette · rituals
wooing
Romantic pursuit of another
betrothals · engagements · admirers · flirtations · serenades · love letters · bouquets · declarations · pursuing · romancing
mating
Reproductive pairing behavior
- displaysVisual presentations or screens
- ritualsCeremonial repeated practices
- plumageBird's complete feather coat
dances · birdsong · pheromones · nesting · preening · strutting · peacocks · bowerbirds · antlers · territories
arranged
Put into order
- matchmakersThose who arrange unions
- traditionsLong-established customs passed down
- ceremoniesFormal observances with ritual
customs · families · negotiations · alliances · introductions · chaperoned · formal · etiquette · rituals · dowries
courtshipsmarriages
Legal spousal unions
wedlock · divorces · matrimony · separations · estrangements
courtshipsbreakups
Endings of romantic relationships
divorces · separations · rejections · dumping · jilting
- courtship ritualBehavior to attract partners
- courtship danceRitual movements seeking partners
- courtship displaysBehaviors to attract mates