courtship

noun

• a period during which a couple develop a romantic relationship before getting married: he married his wife after a whirlwind courtship
• [mass noun] behaviour designed to persuade someone to marry or develop a romantic relationship with one: his courtship of Emma was idyllically happy
• [mass noun] the behaviour of male birds and other animals aimed at attracting a mate.
• [mass noun] the action of attempting to win a person’s favour or support:the country’s courtship of foreign investors