Dating can be very confusing! Dating is a process of discovery and understanding. It may simply seem like a fun way to get to know members of the opposite sex, but it is actually the first step in making one of the most important decisions of your life -- choosing a spouse.

When you date you begin to file away two sets of information: one about yourself (What kind of person am I? What is important to me? What do I have to offer someone else?) and one about the person you are dating (What kind of person is he/she? What does he/she value? How does he/she complement me?). Every person you date helps you discover the qualities you want in a future spouse and helps you to learn true love and respect for others.

But this process can be confusing. Here are seven principles to help clear up some of that muddle.

1. Don't put too much pressure on yourself

The lie: you need to be in a "significant" relationship to be somebody. The reality: many individuals never date during their high school years. If you have the opportunity to date, wonderful. But if not, focus on developing friendships, both same-sex and opposite-sex.

2. Avoid "recreational" dating

If the ultimate purpose behind dating is to find a potential spouse, then mindlessly leaving broken hearts in your wake is an inappropriate way to date. Be mindful of the feelings and needs of others.

3. Only date other believers

It is fine to have friends who are not believers -- after all, how can you witness for Christ if you are only around other believers? Dating is a different situation. Never date with the intention to convert someone. Many such relationships begin with good intentions, but can lead to a committed relationship where problems results because Christ is not at the center.

4. Establish appropriate boundaries before dating

Keep a close watch on your affections and don't put yourself into situations that will compromise your morals. Ask yourself if your dating behaviors bring you closer to your Savior or draw you away from him.

5. Seek advice from Christian parents, friends, and mentors

Many people intentionally try to keep parents in the dark when it comes to dating. However, keep in mind that your parents were your age at one time too (it can be hard to believe, but they do understand). And remember that sometimes others can see warning signs in your relationships before you can. Listen to those whom you trust the most!

6. Monitor your relationship's health

We have all seen abusive, unhealthy relationships. Be sure to ask if your dating relationship is one of "true love" or if it is simply self-gratifying. Check out this page to see what true love really is.

7. Above all, glorify God in all that you do!

Paul tells us in Romans 12:1 that because we are forgiven through Jesus we want to live as sacrifices to God. That impacts the company we keep, the words that we speak, the decisions that we make, and even our behavior when dating. Your relationship with God is the most important relationship you will ever have. Make sure that dating doesn't mess it up.

Another resource for biblical guidelines for dating can be found at http://www.christiananswers.net/q-dml/dml-y006.html.

Check out the sister article, A Dater's Dating Advice.

Thad serves as family minister at St. Paul Lutheran in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Ann is a full-time mom and a part-time copy editor for Northwestern Publishing House.