Often for the guy, it is to see just how far he can go with the best looking girl he can find. If they fall in love and are confident enough, they get married. However, if there is someone more exciting or attractive that comes along, they break off the relation to move in a new direction. This creates a cycle of bonding and breaking off relations. Courtship is more of a Biblical model.
Courtship has marriage as a goal.
Courtship is getting acquainted with the other person. The young man's goal is to win the heart of the young lady. The young lady's goal is to learn the character of the young man. You should know that I have three daughters, two of which are married with children, and the younger daughter has plans to marry in a few months. I am meeting weekly with my daughter's future husband to aid him in spiritual growth and help him prepare for marriage.