The term "date rape" refers to the non-consensual sexual activity between people who are known to each other either platonically or sexually. These particular instances of sexual assault take place during a social interaction between the rapist and the victim, hence the name date rape. It may be either planned or spontaneous.

Drug facilitated rape

In some cases, "date rape drugs" such as GHB, flunitrazepam, temazepam, midazolam, and ketamine may be used to neutralize resistance or render the victim unconscious. Such drugs will usually also affect memory of the event. Alcohol remains the drug most frequently implicated in substance-assisted sexual assault. Memory loss of the event can lead to an inability to later prosecute as the victim will not remember the exact circumstances of the attack. As such, date rape is difficult to prove in most judicial systems.

Amnesia can be a side-effect of benzodiazepines and can be utilized in a therapeutic setting to reduce unpleasant memories from investigatory medical procedures, e.g., endoscopies. All benzodiazepines can be used as date-rape drugs, but flunitrazepam (Rohypnol), clonazepam (Klonopin), midazolam (Versed), and temazepam (Restoril) are the most commonly used

Understanding date rape as a social issue is difficult due to conceptual differences about what even constitutes "rape". It both reflects and is reflected by political and sociological differences in ways of viewing gender roles, personal responsibility, and social norms for topics such as flirting, dress, and what physical contact constitutes a violation. Debates on this topic often reflect polarized opinions in which proponents of differing viewpoints are accused of "radical feminism" or being "misogynistic".

Similarly, institutional responses, including efforts in the criminal justice system, have been difficult to establish. Colleges and universities have attempted to develop policies and guidelines for prevention and discipline that can be unwieldy and unenforceable. While criminal prosecution of stranger rape (eg: no pre-existing relationship) is sufficiently difficult, date rape can be even more difficult to prosecute.

This is due to the highly subjective components involved in determining consent, and conscious intention, as well as attitudes toward gender, toward sexuality, and toward individual responsibility. With the addition of socially sanctioned use of alcohol (most date rapes included the use of alcohol by at least one partner, while over half involved the use by both partners) the likelihood of such miscommunication goes even higher.

Now, How to avoid being accused or affected..?!

Over three quarters of all rapes are committed by someone the victim knows, often by someone they're dating or are in another close relationship with. To avoid being accused of date rape yourself, you need to educate yourself fully about what constitutes rape.

Let us talk on few important points to be considered before engaging in sexual activities while in dating.

Point 1:

Understand the definition of rape, which is sexual contact that a person doesn't consent to. Rape isn't limited to penetration, but includes any form of sexual contact. Additionally, even if someone gives consent verbally, if she isn't able to give consent legally-because of age, because her reasoning is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or because she feels forced to consent-it's still rape.

Point 2:

Take responsibility for your own sexuality. You're in control of your own sexuality and sexual expression. No matter how much you feel like having sex with someone while you're on a date, restrain yourself unless she's also interested. Just because she's interested in a date doesn't mean she's interested in sex, even if she's flirtatious with you.

Point 3:

Discuss the potential of sex with your partner if things seem to be moving in that direction. Having a frank discussion allows both of you to share your desires for the relationship and gives you a chance to discuss protection when you're not carried away by the emotion of the moment.

Point 4:

Engage in sex only if you and your partner haven't used alcohol or other substances. Even a couple of drinks can make someone unable to give his consent to sex because his judgment may be impaired. Likewise, if you have a couple of drinks, you may miss cues that he isn't interested in sex or is ready to stop.

Point 5:

Ask for permission before moving to another stage of sexual activity. Each stage of sexual activity doesn't necessarily lead to the next stage. Forcing it to the next stage is rape.

Point 6:

Respect her desire to stop any sexual activity at any point during your interaction. "No" really does mean "no," unless you've set up specific rules for a sexual game in which "no" has a different meaning. If you do engage in sexual power play games, always have a safe word that immediately ends the game.

Point 7:

Talk to the important person in your life about date rape to better understand the issue and to better know how to avoid any behavior that might be interpreted as rape by your partner.