I mean in terms of a debutante.
When a mother claims that her debutante daughter “came out” last week, does that mean that she has not been dating, or even available to date up til that point? Or does it go furthur than mere dating?
I know it marks her formal entrance into society, but at what point does this occur? How is it determined?
Coming out refers to her being introduced into Society. From this point on she is regarded as part of the “SOCIETY” and is being “JUDGED” so to speak.
It varies from person to person and doesn’t have anything to do with dating.
I think to “come out” she has to have a coming out party and be presented to society at a debutante ball of some sort.
Here is a brief excerpt from http://www.jolique.com/marriage/coming_out_debutante.htm
“The ritual began in the 17th century, when young nubile women (“nubile” meaning “of marriageable age”) were introduced to court gentlemen, ladies and the monarch. The debut marked the transformation from girl to woman, specifically, to a woman eligible for marriage. It let everyone know (most importantly, marriageable men) that a hot new property was on the market, so to speak.”
It means that she is coming out of the confines, security, and protection of her family, into society and the wide world.