To Latter Day Saints, dating is for the purpose of courtship leading to marriage. Latter Day Saints dating is not perceived as an end in itself. Since in LDS theology, sexuality is a divine gift, and is the part of human nature which is also divine, it is not something which is treated lightly in anyway.  Sexual activity is intended only for the sacrament of marriage. Unlike their peers, Latter Day Saints dating activities rarely include sexually oriented behavior or activities, nor putting oneself in a location where such behaviors would be present or encouraged.

That would include movies or plays where sexually oriented content is encouraged.  Caution is even urged in the type of garments which are worn particularly by the young women.  Modesty in dress would preclude being seen in a revealing garment, a swimming suit, or garments which are designed in such a way as to call attention to the body in a tantalizing way.  Suggestive movements used in a sexually oriented way are considered to be inappropriate, even sinful. LDS dating would preclude touching the body in a way that would stimulate passion between the unmarried couple.

Affection between a young man and woman who are not married is directed to be appropriate, brief and simple.  LDS dating would not, according to church leaders recommendation include a passionate lengthy kiss or other forms of affection which are more passionate.  During Latter Day Saints dating activities, care is to be taken to keep the thoughts under control and completely clean at all times.  It is believed that to give into sinful/lustful thoughts or considerations is a sin requiring sincere repentence. 

Even more than lustful thoughts and desires, fornication and adultery are among the most grave of any sins, particularly if the person knows the teachings of the church and of God on the subject.  Since human sexuality is a gift directly from God, to profane or interfere with that is to interfere with the creative power of God.  This is believed to be a form of blasphemy, since it denies the creative power of God and profanes it.

For the young man who is not Latter Day Saints, dating an LDS girl will mean he must learn some patterns of behavior which are not typical of those of the other young men of his age.  He must be careful to treat the young women with courtesy and respect.  Touching her inappropriately, even casually in a caressing way may not be well received.  Thanks to the wishes of her parents, he would be wise to make sure he understands what time her curfew is.  He should take her places where they would not go if her father were watching, not indulge in activities which he would not want her father to watch or participate in.

LDS believe that her Father is indeed watching the activities of all His children, and inappropriate activities in the past should be ceased and repented of.