Definition

1. Verb:
   • To date / to have a date: The primary meaning of "hò hẹn" is to arrange or agree to meet someone, typically in a romantic or courtship context. It implies a pre-arranged social meeting between two people interested in each other.
   • To make an appointment / to arrange a meeting: In a broader, less romantic sense, it can mean to agree on a future time and place to meet.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Họ đang hò hẹn với nhau được ba tháng. (They have been dating for three months.)
  • Cô ấy hò hẹn gặp anh ta ở quán cà phê. (She arranged to meet him at the coffee shop.)
  • Đừng hò hẹn nhiều lần rồi lại thất hứa. (Don't make appointments many times and then break your promise.)

Advanced Usage

• The word often carries a connotation of romantic interest. Using it for a formal business meeting might sound unusual or too personal.
• It can be used reciprocally (e.g., – to date each other) to emphasize the mutual agreement in the relationship.

Variants and Related Words

• Hẹn hò: This is a direct variant and synonym with identical meaning and usage.
  • Giới trẻ thích hẹn hò trực tuyến. (Young people like online dating.)

Synonyms

• To date: To go out regularly with someone romantically.
• To court: To pursue a romantic relationship with someone (more formal/old-fashioned).
• To arrange a meeting: To plan to meet at a specific time.

Related Idioms

• Hò hẹn thề non hẹn biển: To make grand, extravagant promises (often romantic vows).
  • Anh chàng lúc mới yêu chỉ biết hò hẹn thề non hẹn biển. (When first in love, the guy only knew how to make grand, sweeping promises.)

1. như hẹn hò