I've always struggled with the definition of a "date". I mostly hang out with people I want to get to know as people. Some become friends, a few become lovers.

But, Miss Manners has an answer to _what_ constitutes a date:

There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be
offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin
a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount
of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of
affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately.
When the affection IS the entertainment, we no longer call it dating.
Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.

-- Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior