Question about dating and relationships around the world?

Is dating an idea that expands around the world. Other cultures probably have different dating norms, or traditions for finding a mate. Is dating all over the world, or just kind of confined to the U.S.? I've tried doing searches, but it's actually quite hard to find information on that kind of stuff. For example, if I were to travel to Japan, Germany, or Russia would the idea of "dating" still be the same there? Also, dating is a recent thing in our history, what came before dating, strictly arranged marriages?

I don't know. You find someone you like and you want to go out with them and spend time with them because they make you happy.