What's the deal with dating games?

After addressing the concept of dating games in college, I decided to interview a female student about her perception of dating games. The following interview is with 22-year-old Towson University student, Jackie Cribbs.

1. In your opinion, what is the definition of "playing games" in dating/relationships?

Playing games in dating/relationships basically consists of saying or doing something to the other person to throw them off and get a desired reaction out of them. Usually, it's during the beginning of a relationship or if you are casually dating someone.


2. Why do you think people play games in dating/relationships?

I think many times people play games when they don't necessarily want to settle down with someone but they still want to have that person consistently in their life. Or, if they want to appear as if they have more going on in their life then that other person, and maybe they want the person to wonder where they are and what they are doing.

3. Would you say, generally, more guys or girls play games? Why?

I would say girls, only because girls tend to worry and over analyze things that a guy says or does. Many times, that results in playing games to get a guy to understand or react a way that a girl wants.

4. Can you give some examples of how girls play games with guys? Examples of how guys play games with girls?

I think girls play games with guys a lot when they don't feel like they are getting the attention that they need. Sometimes girls try to make guys jealous by flirting with another guy while making sure that their guy can see what is going on. Or many times, they wont answer phones/texts just to get a guy a little scared.
Guys tend to act like they don't care and play it cool to make a girl wonder. They almost play hard to get because they know girls are more interested in someone that they can't figure out versus someone that is all over them.

5. Do you think the concept of dating games increased when you got to college?

No, not really. I think the more mature you become the easier it is to communicate with a person or to not completely over analyze things they do. Therefore, two people don't have to play games to get what they want out of the other person.