Oxford American Dictionary
date (dayt) n.
1. the day on which something happened...--no.
2. the period to which something belongs... --don't think so.
3. an appointment to meet socially.-- maybe, that sounds about right.
4. a person of the opposite sex with whom one has a social appointment. --its ok for me, but it seems a bit exclusive. Then again you can't be too hard on a book with a 1980 copyright.

That's it? That's all Oxford American has for me? It's the College Edition for crying out loud. That's not what date means. Where's the overthinking? Where's the elevated heart rate? Where's the potential for a roller coaster ride of emotions? I don't see any mention of the awkward pauses, of the should-I-or-shouldn't-I-goodnight kiss, the nerves, the thrill, the disappointment, the out and out rejection. Oh Oxford, you fail me here. You're usually so on top of things, right to the point, all over it, but here; here, you seem to agree with my mom.

Have you and my mom been conspiring? Are you actually trying to tell me that date doesn't have to be such an overdramatic experience? It's just an appointment. It's just social. Nothing more. My very life does not in fact hang in the balance? I should just be myself? Not get so worked up? Is that what you're saying?

Maybe next time, Oxford American Dictionary. Maybe next time.

Or maybe I should stick with the small, brown sweet edible fruit of the date palm, a palm tree of North Africa and Southwest Asia.