When two
people go out as friends, but
one or both parties harbour feelings for the other. Such meetings are used to gauge
one's feelings for the other, and usually precede the first date.
William likes
Kate. William and
Kate regularly meet up as friends and both enjoy each other's company. William slowly develops feelings for
Kate. These meetings are known as "pre-dates" and this period is known as "pre-dating".
After which, William and/or Kate propose to go on their first date.