Dime dating is dating for profit. Dime dating is a relatively new approach to dating that primarily employs online dating sites where money, services, and gifts are exchanged for the company of an attractive individual. Dating sites such as WhatsYourPrice. Although this is a popular option for many singles and those looking for a discreet affair , it is not without controversy because of the link to prostitution.
This entry discusses the difference between dime dating and traditional forms of dating and provides an overview of how to research dime dating in the communication discipline. Although many dating sites e. Traditional dating scenarios typically follow common stages of development. That is, the relationship is first initiated, explored by both individuals, and then either continued or terminated based on interest and attraction. A great deal of interpersonal communication research focuses on the issues associated with relational development related to self-disclosure.
Dime dating not only skips the basic dating initiation stage because of the offer of money or goods, but is also then maintained based on free market principles as the mode of attraction rather than the likelihood of a potential long-term partner.
Dime dating is heteronormative, meaning that there is a strong tendency for dime dating sites to subtly promote women as the attractive members and men as the generous members.
The expectation becomes a traditional view of the nature of relationships, which views males as resource providers to the female partners. The traditional views of relationships like social exchange or the developmental perspective describe the interaction as an exchange of resources from each member of the relationship.
