Incorrect or non-standard usage, overuse etc
I am dating my colleagues after work tonight.
I date my boyfriend on Sunday afternoon.
The problem
The verb 'to date' (someone) is only used to describe a relationship i.e. to say that two people are a couple - are boyfried and girlfriend. It is not used as a romantic form of 'meet'.
Mike and I have been dating for a couple of months.
(He has been my boyfriend for two months.)
She's dating a guy in her class. (Her classmate is her boyfriend)
I don't think he's dating anybody at the moment. (He hasn't got a girlfriend).
Note This verb is more commonly used in American than British English.
To go out with someone is more popular in British English:
They've been going out for about six months now.
I don't think she's going out with anyone at the moment.
You can also use 'to see' someone in this situation:
Is she seeing anyone at the moment?
To describe appointments whether they are romantic or not, we use the verb 'meet'.
I usually meet my boyfriend after work for dinner. (romantic)
I'm meeting some friends for a drink this evening. (not romantic)
to have a date. This usually has a romantic meeting:
Wow, you look nice today!
Oh thanks. I've got a date tonight, actually.
Oh really? Who with?
The romatic sense of having a date is not true for making a date:
Colleague 1: We need to meet up to discuss the publication schedule.
Colleague 2: Right. Let's make a date. I'm free Thursday afternoon if that's any good.
Standard English
I am meeting my colleagues after work tonight.
I meet my boyfriend on Sunday afternoon.
Dictionaries
Online dictionary links are available for the following words:
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