Group dating is a modern pattern for dating where a group of single people organize a night out, with the hope of forming romantic partnerships. It is most popular in Japan, where it is known as gōkon. In the U.S., the group dating is becoming is a safe alternative to single dating (especially blind dating), also helping to ease tension, because both parties will feel more comfortable having the company of their friends. Group dating is often recommended by parenting experts as more age appropriate form of dating for preteens than one-on-one dating.