What does dating mean for our generation? I rarely even hear that word in a culture where hooking up is the norm.

Dating is very complicated. These days, everybody seems to skip the whole cute dating part, which is upsetting. This is when real efforts are made through special moments like an evening picnic or dinner and a movie, maybe even some flowers.

Now it is just all about “Netflix and chill,” even though there is nothing chill about seeking another partner for temporary affection without any real, emotional connections.

We are not solely at fault for this tremendous change in how we date, there are many other elements of society that have contributed to this new standard.

For instance, we all wish men would write long, romantic letters in cursive to be sent by mail but why would they bother when they can just send a text message?

It is less of a hassle and far more convenient, but are we as satisfied reading a romantic text as our grandma was reading a handwritten letter from her sweetheart?

We’re relying on technology to communicate things we would have once said more personally. This doesn’t mean you should lower your standards, you should expect more than a text. Please don’t assume that just because he texts you, you’re in.

While grandpa was most likely not sending four separate letters to several different women, would it be surprising if your man crush was copy and pasting a cute text to you and 10 others?

Apps like Tinder are designed to make dating easier, but most people use it just to get laid.

People overly rely on dating apps and texting as it is much easier to send a risky message through a screen than it is to confidently deliver it in person.

Come on, tell me, what guy would say “I think I am in love” as a conversation starter? If you’re looking for a real relationship, you should start by deleting Tinder from your phone.

Find someone who wants to take you on dates and establish a meaningful friendship. Make sure your expectations are aligned. Finding that person might be challenging, but it doesn’t mean he or she does not exist. Dating can still exist in your world if you let it.

Danielle Cortes can be reached at the [email protected] or @theorion_news on Twitter.