There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection. It is customary to begin a series of dates with a great deal of entertainment, a moderate amount of food, and the merest suggestion of affection. As the amount of affection increases, the entertainment can be reduced proportionately. When the affection is the entertainment, we no longer call it dating. Under no circumstances can the food be omitted.

Judith Martin (b. 1938) American author, journalist, etiquette expert [a.k.a. Miss Manners]

“Miss Manners,” syndicated column (1981-08-15)
    (Source)

Collected in Miss Manners’ Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, Part 4 "Rites de Passage," "Modern Romance" (1983).