Courtship is an old-fashioned word, assuming that two people who love each other will eventually get married. The word is indeed old-fashioned, from the 16th century when it meant paying court to a woman with intention of marriage.

When did dating replace courting?

1929 More women were gaining independence from their parents to do what they wanted – by 1929, about half of single women held down jobs. In this rapidly changing time, dating replaced “courtship.” Dating was casual while courting was a process meant to lead to marriage.