What is missionary dating?

Missionary dating is the practice of dating someone with the intent of converting them to one's own religious beliefs. This term is most commonly used in Christian circles, but the practice may occur in any religious group. The practice is often discouraged by religious leaders as it can be a source of hurt and disappointment if the person being dated does not share the same beliefs or does not convert. Missionary dating has also been criticized for objectifying the person being dated, reducing them to a project rather than a fully realized human being.