user6932: What does the Buddha say about dating, in general? This is a fairly open-ended question, and any scriptural references would help. 
I would have lustful thoughts when I look at a pretty girl (though I try not to act on it and meditate on impermanence as I walk by her.) But, it just occurred to me that if I eradicate lust, then do I even need a girlfriend in the first place?? Thus, I'm really confused about how the mechanism of dating works. 
Is it even possible to have a girlfriend/wife without lust?
Or, is there an entirely different answer?
This question has been bugging me for at least a year, I would really appreciate anyone's efforts in helping me resolve this. 
Thanks! Answers with Scriptural references is preferred, but personal experiences are also welcomed. 
Praises to the Dharma!

user111: 
A wise man should avoid unchastity as (he would avoid falling into) a
  pit of glowing charcoal. If unable to lead a celibate life, he should
  not go to another's wife. - Dhammika Sutta

A layman is not expected to lead a celibate life. What you are expected as a Buddhist is to avoid sexual misconduct.

Is it even possible to have a girlfriend/wife without lust?

Yes, but not necessarily for the good. ex: marrying to get citizenship, marrying for money, power, marrying to cover up sexuality etc.
A good example would be a married man becoming an Anagami later. He can still live in the lay life, but girlfriend/wife will merely be ceremonial positions. He will just treat her as a sister or a friend.

6932: <p>What does the Buddha say about dating, in general? This is a fairly open-ended question, and any scriptural references would help. 
I would have lustful thoughts when I look at a pretty girl (though I try not to act on it and meditate on impermanence as I walk by her.) But, it just occurred to me that if I eradicate lust, then do I even need a girlfriend in the first place?? Thus, I'm really confused about how the mechanism of dating works. 
Is it even possible to have a girlfriend/wife without lust?
Or, is there an entirely different answer?</p>

<p>This question has been bugging me for at least a year, I would really appreciate anyone's efforts in helping me resolve this. 
Thanks! Answers with Scriptural references is preferred, but personal experiences are also welcomed. </p>

<p>Praises to the Dharma!</p>
 111: <blockquote>
  <p><em>A wise man should avoid unchastity as (he would avoid falling into) a
  pit of glowing charcoal. If unable to lead a celibate life, he should
  not go to another's wife. - <a href="http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.2.14.irel.html">Dhammika Sutta</a></em></p>
</blockquote>

<p>A layman is not expected to lead a celibate life. What you are expected as a Buddhist is to avoid sexual misconduct.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Is it even possible to have a girlfriend/wife without lust?</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Yes, but not necessarily for the good. ex: marrying to get citizenship, marrying for money, power, marrying to cover up sexuality etc.</p>

<p>A good example would be a married man becoming an Anagami later. He can still live in the lay life, but girlfriend/wife will merely be ceremonial positions. He will just treat her as a sister or a friend.</p>
