160 characters is all it takes to get your message across. We’ve even developed a whole new “SMS language” for easier communication. But what are the rules of text messaging when it comes to dating?

Texting: Men Vs Women

First of all, according to an article in the USA Today, men and women look at text messaging differently.

“Though men primarily use messaging as a tool for managing their relationships, women often view text as another way to foster emotional interaction….”

So apparently, men view text messaging as the most comfortable means of communication and hence prefer it to a phone conversation or even face-to-face contact. Women…well; they’re not so sure what to think. Some judge men according to their text messages. Others don’t understand why men text more and call less, and can’t figure out the hidden meaning behind the trend.

Etiquette expert Ceri Marsh, co-author of The Fabulous Girl’s Guide to Decorum says, “Technology may change but thoughtfulness never goes out of style.” So here are some basic ‘Dos and Don’ts’ to remember when you’re using text messages to communicate while dating.

Dating Etiquette: Dos and Don’ts of Text Messages

• Flirt!

If you talk on the phone every evening, send a couple of flirty text messages during the day to let them know you’re thinking of them. Text messaging can be great for flirting so use it well.

• Consider The Emotion

While you should definitely flirt a little with texts, please know that some emotions are better expressed in person. So if you’re going to say “I Love You” for the first time…say it in person. Texting “Be My Valentine” is not as romantic as saying it face-to-face. A text message will just leave your sweetheart disappointed. The same goes for breaking up – DON’T do it over text. No matter how awkward…do it in person!

• Keep It Short

A text message is meant to be short and sweet. Stick to the 160 characters. If you have more to say, email them. Or better still, use the phone to make a call!

• Tone Matters

The most annoying thing about texting and emailing is that you might mean something but your date might interpret it as something totally different. So when typing out a message take a few seconds and think about the tone of your message.

• Texting On A Date

No, no, NO! It’s rude to be stuck to your phone when you’re on a date. Leave that phone at home or at least turn it off when on a date. Your date deserves your attention on a date so it’s not cool to be messaging while you’re on a date!

• Drunken Texting

Texting under the influence is bad, bad, bad! If you think you’re likely to send random texts to current and ex flames when you’re drunk don’t carry your phone. if you must, hand it over to a friend. Texting something inappropriate to that guy/girl you’ve just met could be very awkward and end it right there.

• Don’t Let It Take Over

It’s convenient and it’s useful but text messaging shouldn’t be the only way you communicate. Use it to flirt, to send messages when you’re running late etc…but don’t keep your communication limited to text messages. There’s no real interaction via text so when that’s all you do, your date’s likely to think you’re not interested or too busy to be in a relationship.

Sure it’s okay to use text messaging…but keep it on the down low. For God’s sake, learn to put that phone away sometimes. People dated just fine without a cell phone for hundreds of years so no, texting isn’t a compulsory dating activity. Maybe it’s just me, but a little old-fashioned romance minus the texts, the emails and the calls wouldn’t be so bad would it?