See, we really want get all the answers on modern dating from the Bible. But that just won't happen. First of all, marriage in the Old Testament was arranged. One didn't have to worry about meeting the right person, the right person was whomever your parents told you they'd chosen for you. Like, if you ask my why I'm not married, I'd say because I put off serious dating while I finished college and got established in my career (trust me, college required my undivided attention) and since then I just haven't met the right person. Now that sounds wise, but if I were an Old Testament Jewish girl, that would be considered very selfish. See, people are adopted into the Body of Christ now. One, anyone, can make a choice to follow Jesus. But in the Old Testament, one was born into God's people (although there were converts such as Rahab and Ruth, but they were married into the Jews). So for the Jews, not having babies would be like not sharing the Gospel for Christians. Basically, what I'm getting at is that if we're looking at who and when to marry, looking at the Old Testament can be very problematic. As for the New Testament, well, from what I understand things were very difficult for the early Christians. I think that's why Paul advised singles to stay like that for the time being. Now the big problem is that who and when and how you get married is the biggest choice you'll ever make in your life after your choice to follow Jesus. And yet, there just aren't very many specifics in the Bible. This is why I've read more Christian books on dating than on any other non-fiction subject. When Biblical advice is inadequate* we need to seek the advice of wise Christians who have both education and experience.
I have to go to bed. I'll write later. I have a lot to say about this subject.
*I hope no one gets on my case for saying that. See, my dad read a book on Islam's clash with modernity and he said the book said they belive that Koran is the be all and end all of all knowledge. That's why they're so skeptic about democracy, if it's so great, then why isn't it mentioned in the Koran? I belive that the Bible has everything we need to know about knowing God and getting to Heaven and whatnot, but I strongly caution falling into the trap that it has all life's answers to non-God related issues.