What is the general public's opinion on the definition of "dating?"?

Do you see "dating" as being an exclusive act or do you see it as being more of a prelude to a possibly exclusive relationship? If you are going out on dates with someone, are there expectations that you are the ONLY one they are dating, or would you say that "dating" refers to casually meeting with one or more people (separately, of course) and then possibly choosing one of them (after going on a few dates) to be your boyfriend or girlfriend? Just curious to see the differing opinions on this.