Help?

I have a dating question for the blog world..... This has been the topic of debate between my friends and I..... Do people date anymore? Is it necessary to ask someone explicitly to be exclusive (to be a bf/gf)? Is there an understanding that comes from spending a certain amount of time and energy on another person? What if sex is thrown into the equation? Does sex in of itself mean anything? What if it is coupled with quality time, phone calls, thoughtful gestures, ect.? Is it understood this is a relationship? What is the understanding? Is there one at all? What is your opinion on dating and relationships? How does it work in this day and age?