Did anything like dating as we know it today exist in ancient and medieval times?

by overling

I know the modern idea of romantic relationships really took off for the common people more in the 19th century but would people very long ago have had anything resembling gf/bf type relationships? I’m not talking like noblemen or anything, I mean like commoners and peasants. I’m sure flings and stuff happened but did people look at them the same way?

Or were marriages basically mostly arranged and economic/practical in purpose, with most people not having more than one partner in their life? Also were peasant weddings officiated by priests and honored by law in the same way they are today?

overling

Wow, really okay no responses. Jeez thanks "historians".