Date Rape
A concept which has reached us from the U.S. Rape perpetrated within the confines of a ‘date’ situation i.e. where the woman has willingly met the man, but then at some stage has been raped.

Acquaintance Rape
Rape perpetrated by a person known to the victim, but not a close friend. May be known through employment or general social contact.

Who Rapes on a Date?
Boyfriend, past or present
Ex-husband or partner
Lonely hearts respondent/pen-pal, etc

Who Rapes an Acquaintance?
Friend, or partner of friend
Doctor/dentist
Employer
Work colleague
Teacher
Distant family member
Clients - of prostitutes, estate agents, eg
Therapists
In summary - anyone

A perpetrator’s usual defence is that there was consent, which amounts to her word against his. Date and acquaintance rape are notoriously difficult to prove without corroborative evidence, e.g. signs of struggle or neighbours overhearing, and even then convictions are rare.