Engagement Vs Marriage

Had been asking a few of my friends on what they perceive these two terms. Gotten a mix of different responses from different friends. The following's a rough summary of what my friend's perceptions:

1: Engagement is a verbal acknowledgement for the bringing together of the couple's families. Usually a talk between both parties' parents. No written agreement or signing is made. After signing at the ROM does a couple be considered Married.

2: Engagement is the signing of consensus at the ROM, to see if anyone objects to the marriage. After a certain period of time, if there's no objections, the couple can then sign at the ROM to be considered a Married Couple.

3: Engagement is an event whereby you throw a party for ur friends and relatives and announces the get together of two individuals. An acknowledgement of couple-hood. However, it'll only be considered marriage only after the traditional Chinese Wedding Dinner.

Hmmm.. Not really a consensus, but I guess generally, a couple's considered married after the signing at ROM.. so, what does a couple do for engagement then? Really throw an engagement party? Exchange of rings and promise?

I'm still buffled...shall try to ask some adults (a.k.a parents) on what engagement really means...