I know it is dumb, and I am just being sensitive about it. My straight friend is one of the ones "in the know" so to speak. Whenever we go off and she gets a phone call, she will tell the other person that she is on a date to try to get off the phone. And tonight when we made plans to go see a movie in a couple of weeks she said "it's a date." I know it is silly that it bugs me as she doesn't mean anything by it. It just does. I'm not dating yet, and I just don't like calling something that isn't a date a date. Any suggestions on how to politely address the issue? Maybe I just need to get over it. Sorry this is a bit of a ramble. Long day at work.
Hey thebikelady, nice to meet you! She doesn't know that it is upsetting you. It sounds to me like she may think of it as a way to soften any awkward air between you two by casually joking. At the same time though it is perfectly understandable how it may bother and upset you. I think you should tell her that it makes you feel a bit uncomfortable. It is up to you though, and I'm no expert advice giver, just thought I'd share my two cents.
The next time she does it, you could nicely say something like "but it's not really a date. Maybe it's silly, but I'm just not big on the term date unless it's actually a date, you know?" (Or perhaps you could opt for the term "friend-date" if that makes you less uncomfortable?) Just remember that it's not really a big deal and it isn't worth a big argument. Besides, if she's really a good friend, she won't want to make you feel uncomfortable.