For those not in the know, speed dating will involve multiple dates in one, a fact that makes most men and women prick up their ears and listen.

The object of speed dating is to offer a person many choices of singles to get to know in a blind date setting. However, the novelty is that each "date" only lasts several minutes each.

What began in the 1990's as a fad is now a phenomena, as bars and restaurants all over the world are now hosting speed dating events. Usually, this event will be organized by one or several people and roughly 20 or so dates will be arranged for each participant.

The speed dating organizer will instruct the singles where to begin their speed dating experience.

The setting is usually a quiet, romantic room with multiple tables spread out across the floor. Quiet is essential due to the fact that so many people will be rapidly talking at once.

Each person will be placed with his or her first date for the evening and the speed dating clock will start. Like musical chairs, each couple will spend 10 minutes or less with each other before moving on to the next date.

The first question a person ponders when speed dating is explained to him/her is, "How can ten minutes or less be long enough to get to know someone?"

Well, the object isn't so much for everyone to become really acquainted with each other, but rather to sample a person to see if there is room for attraction or a full-length date.

Those that become involved with speed dating are probably from the school of thought that animal attraction or that "spark" will be there instantly or not at all.

Sitting through a bad 10-minute date is much better than a lifeless evening together.

After each couple have played musical dates for the evening, the speed dating organizer will stop the clock and ask each person for a list of viable candidates to date again.

Personal information is not exchanged during a speed date but if someone decides that they would like to see a person or persons again, the speed dating organizer can handle the arrangements.

Of course, the opposite person may not reciprocate the desire for a full-length date, but such is the novelty of speed dating. It's easy to cast a fish back into the sea.