Behavior patterns are generally unwritten and constantly changing.
There are considerable differences between social and personal values.
Accordingly, there was little need for a temporary trial period such as dating before a permanent community-recognized union was formed between a man and a woman.
While pair-bonds of varying forms were recognized by most societies as acceptable social arrangements, marriage was reserved for heterosexual pairings and had a transactional nature, where wives were in many cases a form of property being exchanged between father and husband, and who would have to serve the function of reproduction.
These people will have dates on a regular basis, and they may or may not be having sexual relations.