If you’re dating in this day and age, you know that time constraints can have a big impact on your social life. Many television shows and cities have a solution called “speed dating.” What is speed dating? Before we define it, and so as to have a better understanding, let’s first try and trace its origins.

The very popular dating method is said to have actually started years ago in Jewish communities in the Middle East. In the USA, credit goes to Rabbi Yaacov Deyo. The Rabbi intended this dating method as way for Jewish people to meet in areas where they were outnumbered by non-Jews.

Speed dating can be defined as an organized matchmaking event whose purpose is for people to meet other people (potential spouses) in large numbers. This is the beauty of it: everyone is actively seeking a mate. But, how is this possible, you ask? Each date lasts a measly seven minutes. What makes speed dating different from the typical bar scene is that participants have the same objective — to meet a potential companion.

Couples rotate from station to station every few minutes (about eight minutes) and meet a new potential mate at each station. Each dater takes turns asking the other person at their station questions until the clock expires and then they move onto the next station. Each dater takes notes on each date so they can sort of who they do or do not want to see again at the end of the session.

The time limit serves a dual purpose. It prevents getting too immersed in a discussion with one particular person and also prevents getting stuck with someone you don’t like.

No phone numbers are exchanged directly. Nor is one allowed to ask another out. This is in order to avoid a face to face rejection. An atmosphere of fun and enjoyment is encouraged. Arguing is prohibited. This is one unique feature about this dating system.

At the end of the event, each participant submits a list of people they would like their contacts given to. The organizer then looks for matches. If two people want to share their contact information, there is a match. Matching is done after the event, to avoid facing rejection. Speed Dating is ideal for those who lead busy lives, don’t have much time and want to meet new people in a fun, safe environment.

Those in favor of speed dating claim it is a much better, cheaper and safer method of meeting people than going into a bar. They also point out that it is much more efficient than other dating services, such as online dating, since you meet each person face-to-face and can gather information on them quickly. Also, physical attraction – or chemistry – is much easier to judge in person than it is simply looking at pictures online.

Most speed dating services charge between $25 and $60 per person. The fee normally includes a couple of free drinks or a meal or snacks. Sessions typically have between 50 and 150 participants, half male and half female. Lesbian and gay events do exist also.

Critics of speed dating claim that you are forced to spend your time on “dates” with people you are not attracted to and have no interest in, wasting both your time and money. Of course it’s only a few minutes and if you end up meeting that special at an event, it is well worth it.

Hope this answers the question of what is speed dating, and how it works. If you do decide to give it a try just be sure to follow one simple rule. No matter what happens, HAVE FUN!