What's the standard "dating code"/"dating timeline"?

Anonymous
I'm just getting out of my only long-term relationship and am now starting to try out dating, only I'm not sure what the "rules" are. Since I've only been with the one guy since we were really young -- so marrying him was just a final transition in a lengthy association -- I have way too many questions about how dating actually works.

When is it standard to hold hands, shift from coffee to dinner/dancing, kiss, etc.? What signs tell me that the guy is interested and/or trying to move along to the "next level" in the dating process?

Also, what's the difference between dating and an invitation to "meet up"? If you're "meeting up" regularly (for a variety of day/evening activities), are you dating? Is it really okay to date more than one person at once? (That seems like it would just be emotionally confusing...)
What's the standard "dating code"/"dating timeline"?
3 Opinion