Where does the term "playing the field" come from and what does it mean exactly?

Answer 1

Butterfly has the basic answer, but didn't finish it off. From the Online Etymology Dictionary:

'play the field "avoid commitment" (1936) is from notion of gamblers betting on other horses than the favorite"
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=field

But what is that all about?? The idea is that the gambler is not sure which will be the winning horse, so rather than betting on ONE horse (compare committing to one woman), bets on SEVERAL horses in the same field (race).
Compare:
http://www.askmen.com/fashion/austin_100/138b_fashion_style.html

Answer 2

Great question!
Butterfly's answer makes the most sense and is most in keeping with what I understood the origin of the expression to be. Don't just bet on the favorite horse -- spread your bets around (i.e. play the field) -- something like 'not putting all your eggs in one basket' or keeping all your options open.
I had actually thought it was to do with soccer -- don't always pass the ball to just one team mate, but 'play the field' -- share the ball with all your team -- all over the field -- to give everyone an opportunity to play and score.
Anyway, whichever of these two is the correct origin of the expression (and I suspect it's hers) everyone who answered was right about what it is now used to mean: Not dating just one person; instead, spreading yourself around. In other words, a person who likes to 'play the field' isn't ready to settle down to a monogamous relationship!

Answer 3

This is all I could find about the origin: play the field "avoid commitment" (1936) is from notion of gamblers betting on other horses than the favorite.

Answer 4

I think it's basically a baseball reference. When you "play the field" you're in the outfield and you have a greater *range of motion*, as opposed to the position players of the infield, who stay mainly near their *designated spots*.

You're freer to roam when you "play the field".

Answer 5

that means he or she going on dates while she is or he is dating you
if girl or boy friend tell you still wants to playing the field that means she or he wants to see other people beside you until she or he finds the right guy or girl its sound kind of bad but hey **** happen

Answer 6

Someone who plays the field is all over the place, much like someone who has sex with every woman he can get

Answer 7

I am not exactly sure where it came from, but I know it means that you want to be single..and date around to see what all is out there..maybe dating multiple people at once.

Answer 8

weel i think it meanz dat wen ur chatin up a girl lol like me :) n i comes frm the term when guyz are on a playin field they catch the ball like they catch a girl lol if u understand me

Answer 9

Im not sure where it comes from but it means you are looking for girls and your single