A plethora of research is available concerning premarital dating. In contrast, surprisingly little research has been conducted on marital dating. Marital Dating is defined as "recreational activities spouses engage in with one another where (1) no children are present during the date, (2) the date is not fulfilling a responsibility, and (3) the intention of the date is to spend time together as a couple for relational maintenance or enhancement." This study analyzed the relationship of marital dating and marital satisfaction. Results indicate that dating explains some variance in marital distress; however, this relationship was mediated by negative attribution style, as well as satisfaction with affective communication. Couple type (i.e., non-distressed, distressed, disaffected) predicted differences in dating frequency. Overall, dating appears to be an enjoyable activity that appears to be associated with marital maintenance.