Meaning trap

go out

have a romantic relationship

To be in a romantic relationship with someone; to date someone regularly.

phrasal verbC1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

have a romantic relationship

To be in a romantic relationship with someone; to date someone regularly.

go out (leave home socially)

'go out' also has the more basic meaning 'leave home socially'; this is the advanced sense.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

I heard that Anna and Mark are going out now.relationships
Many young people start going out with someone in their late teens, which can be an important part of their social development.IELTS speaking

Pattern: go out (with someone)

WrongShe's going out her boyfriend.

RightShe's going out with her boyfriend.

'Go out WITH someone' — don't drop 'with'.

Patterngo out (with someone)

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff They have been in a romantic relationship for two years.

Natural They've been going out for two years.

'Go out (with)' is how people actually describe dating. The formal version sounds like a form.

Words that usually travel with it.

Unlike the B1 sense ('leave home socially'), this sense refers specifically to being in a romantic relationship, not just going somewhere together.

go out (leave home socially) — 'go out' also has the more basic meaning 'leave home socially'; this is the advanced sense.