Learning in the Marriage Market: The Economics of Dating

This paper develops a search-and-matching model where potential partners can learn about their compatibility as a couple by spending time together (interpreted as dating). We show that a steady-state equilibrium exists and characterize its induced dating patterns. In equilibrium, highly attractive individuals are more selective. We derive conditions under which equilibria induce positive assortative matching and show that even when these conditions hold, the socially optimal outcome can exhibit negative assortative matching. Finally, the framework is applied to study the effect of recent advances in search technologies on dating patterns and the connection between dating and interracial segregation. (JEL C78, D83, J12)