The Weekly Jam: The Dating Game

Whether you're just dating, in a committed relationship, or married, the rules of dating don't change all that much: you must go out on a real date once in a while or your relationship can lose its zing.

First rule: Your significant other will not count In 'n Out as going out to dinner. You don't need to go to Mastro's in Beverly Hills, where you have to take out a small loan to get a good steak. (Well, it's a GREAT steak.) There are plenty of places where you can go for $50 with tip for two people.

Second Rule: Going to a musical or a play is nice, but tickets to Wicked can run upwards of $100 each. Two movie tickets will set you back $21. Rule 2.1: Make sure not to go on a Friday night. That's movie-babysitting night, when all the parents dump their barely teenage kids at the movies. If you do go then, expect loud conversations and ringing cell phones throughout the movie.

Third rule: If you have kids, don't bring them, but add in five hours of babysitting at $8.oo per hour and you've racked up $40 more. Total for a fun night out for one loving couple: $111 (with kids), $71 (no kids). Getting lucky? Priceless. Yet even with all that time and expense a happy ending may not be in the cards...if you don't play them right.

Before you go out, read this article about Why Married Men Flirt. It will help lead you to a priceless night.

Or if you're thinking that a heavenly date may reveal the answer to the all-important question, read this: How to Tell If He's Mr. Right or Mr. Right Now.

On that same subject, why is it so hard to meet someone to fall in love with? Watch True Confessions: Dating Assignments, where Comedian Bridget McManus shares her new relationship goal: she actually wants to like the person she dates.

So the good news is that you can succeed at the dating game if you remember it doesn't stop when you're in a committed relationship.

Matt Edelman, CEO Quote of the Week:

"Dating makes mating magnificent."