Commentary from the owner Devon Colebank:
First off, let's define casual dating. Essentially, this can refer to any dating or sexual encounters that happen without a commitment. Once you start calling someone your boyfriend or girlfriend or discussing exclusivity, it's no longer "casual." There's a wide variety of reasons why someone might actively choose to go the route of casual dating, and there's definitely nothing wrong with it. For some, casual dating is a stepping stone between hooking up and a long-term relationship. For others, it's just a more carefree way to socialize when work or other obligations are making it impossible to commit to anything serious. But are those the only reasons why someone might choose to keep it casual? 
It would be safe to say, then, that some people pursue casual dating as a way to protect themselves from getting too hurt. By investing less, they can expose themselves to less risk of rejection. That said, science shows that our brains may be essentially wired to associate sex and lust with attachment and love, which explains why casual dating can easily get messy. As long as you stay open and honest about your needs and wants, you can keep it casual - without causing any unnecessary confusion or heartbreak.