The answer to this depends on whom you ask, but as a general rule, yes...they are the same. "Going out" is used mostly by the younger crowd as an equivalent to "dating" or "going steady" meaning that the parties involved are in an active and (usually stable) relationship. "Going out" does not however convey the same connotation of "seriousness" (as it applies to a relationship) than "going steady" and "dating" do however. People who are "going out" could have gotten together yesterday, or years ago. In any event, they are not just "hanging out" (spending time together with no inherent romantic involvement). "Going out" should not be confused with "Gone out" as in "We've gone out a couple of times" (meaning that the parties involved have not actually begun a relationship yet, but may soon if things work out). In any event, "Going out", "Gone out" or any other tense is meant to convey a past, present, or possible romantic involvement, and therefore is never used when referring to the opposite sex (unless in homosexual circumstances), with the clear exception of certain and rare circumstances that could not possibly be construed as being romantic, for example if they are "going out" for a drive (wherein they will not be spending time with anybody else) or if they are "going out" with a group of friends. The "more experienced crowd" :-) will use this phrase more loosely and will "go out" with just one of their friends, or "go out" with a family member, or a work buddy for a drink or two. Shaggy

well my bf of 2 months asked me to go steady yesterday and my best friend said that we were just going out and weren't official yet but going steady means u r definately official and no dating other people... i've always called him my boyfriend though, that's what i don't understand... but if your ready for a official relationship then go steady.. especially if you really love she or he.. that's why we have love. i said yes to my bf and i feel great about it, now i know he truly loves me<3