ABSTRACT. This paper analyzes the outcomes of an exploratory review of the current research on courtship practices, romantic relationship initiation, and mate selection in the online dating environment. The data used for this study was obtained and replicated from previous research conducted by Morning Consult, Pew Research Center, SimpleTexting, and Statista, I performed analyses and made estimates regarding U.S. adults who use social media and have dating experience. Data collected from 4,600 respondents are tested against the research model by using structural equation modeling.

Keywords: dating; romantic; relationship; selection; mate; online

How to cite: Dobson-Lohman, E. (2020). “Courtship Practices, Romantic Relationship Initiation, and Mate Selection in the Online Dating Environment,” Journal of Research in Gender Studies 10(1): 59–65. doi:10.22381/JRGS10120205

Received 4 March 2020 • Received in revised form 10 July 2020
Accepted 12 July 2020 • Available online 20 July 2020