ABSTRACT
This chapter examines some factors that negatively affect dating and mating among African Americans. It provides strategies for dating and factors to consider when choosing a partner. A major factor affecting African American dating and mating is commodified connections. In the past, when a man and woman dated, they usually went through a lengthy courtship, and were expected to refrain from emotional and physical intimacy early in the relationship. Today, it is acceptable to enter into physical and emotional intimacy early in the relationship. Fu-Kiau, in Time in the Black Experience, explains the concept of time among the Bantu of the Kongo. Tukula is the stage in which the relationship is maturing and individuals decide to marry. Luvemba is the stage in which parties undergo a transformation. It is in this period that they decide to move the relationship to a higher level, which may mean marria
