perceived potential 

Something anticipated or hoped for without any solid proof or promise.

You hire someone based on their perceived potential, only later you get a solid proof of their capabilities or promise.

When you pursue a girl, you want to date her based on perceived potential of her in your life. Only later you find out who she really is and if it's a good fit or not.

Before you move to a new location (city, area, country), the city has certain perceived potential in your mind. Only after living there for a while, you validate your hopes or assumptions.

perceived potential by The Latvian August 21, 2013