I think you’re the one trying to complicate the word. Everyone else seems to have a similar understanding of a broader meaning.
I’m curious - you say you’re happily married, yet you’re telling people how to use online dating sites. How much actual experience do you have of them and how much of your opinion is based on hearsay?
Words are facts for languages -- the specific meaning of a word was so important that dictionaries were created and maintained to dissolve unnecessary contention by presenting the historical facts related to their contextual meaning. Words are facts and like science are not, or have ever been, changeable by popular consensus.
Even a modern site like Wikipedia does not conflate its modern contextual use with the counter arguments presented in this thread -- its end goal is not a mystery.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dating is a stage of romantic relationships practised in Western societies whereby two people meet socially with the aim of each assessing the other's suitability as a prospective partner in a future intimate relationship. It represents a form of courtship, consisting of social activities carried out by the couple, either alone or with others. The protocols and practices of dating, and the terms used to describe it, vary considerably from society to society and over time. While the term has several meanings, the most frequent usage refers to two people exploring whether they are romantically or sexually compatible by participating in dates with the other. With the use of modern technology, people can date via telephone or computer or arrange to meet in person.
Dating may also involve two or more people who have already decided that they share romantic or sexual feelings toward each other. These people may have dates on a regular basis, and they may or may not be having sexual relations. This period of courtship is sometimes seen as a precursor to engagement. Some cultures require or encourage people to wait until reaching a certain age before beginning dating, which has become a source of controversy.
As for my experience with dating sites; like many people living in the modern era of computing and the internet... I met my wife through datingbuzz.co.za just over 16 years ago -- we both were there for the same purpose; to meet someone who wanted to get married and start a family with a partner that shared the same / similar set of ethics.
Fake profiles, less than truthful people, people with baggage, etc. are not a new challenges; they've existing pretty much from the beginning -- and it's certainly never been the strict domain of either men or woman. I had far too many dates that were built up from an online persona that was either partly or completely disingenuous; they of course fell apart rather quickly on the first date; for obvious reasons; leaving one ultimately feeling despondent -- pondering whether these platforms are just filled with heaps of bullshit and disingenuous people.
Put yourself in someone's shoes who wants to find a life partner to start a family with... the last thing they desire is meeting someone who has conflated the purpose of dating with friendship, NSA sex, or some other arbitrary definition of the term dating.
I can't imagine it's fun for those looking for NSA sex to link up with those who strictly want a life partner (e.g. no sex before marriage) -- isn't this why there are today sites like Tinder, AdultFriendFinder and the like to make it easier to single out people who are in the same headspace as you are. There certainly aren't AFAIK any other sites for those who strictly want to date people who want to find a potential life partner with the goal to start a family -- contextually that's what dating sites were created for after-all.