Help me differentiate the two and make sense of it?

I don’t think I’ve ever necessarily “dated” instead I’ve gone straight into serious relationships (I’m guessing it’s a cultural thing.)

I’ve only been in a relationship with two people, one being 6 years, the other being 4 years. I’m only 24.

In both relationships I felt things were rushed. they both met my parents quick. 6 year relationship met them on the first “date.” 4 year relationship met my family around the 2nd or 3rd. I’m going to be honest, when I was no longer happy I forced myself to stay in it because my family emphasized marriage. I’ve been told it’s bad to date around but I’ve reached a point in my life where I’m done settling for what my parents want. I want to find someone that makes me happy, not my parents. I feel like the only way I can is by expanding and getting know others but I don’t know how

.

How is this usually done?

Do you usually “date?” a person for a while and then meet the parents later on?

Do You have to date multiple people at once to find one that you truly like?

How long does the dating period last before getting serious ?

Someone please help me!