Your point is well-taken. But on the other hand, don't set out to build a house before making sure you can finish it, and all that.
Orthonoob, I don't think you understand what I am trying to say, so let me elaborate on that:
The point in dating someone is to try to create something new. You meet a person, when you befriend her you are entering a whole new world. You learn about her needs, dreams, hopes. You see the richness of that person. Then you find out, that she also has her "dark side", in this case it is atheism. But you love the way she smiles, thinks, and so forth. So, you are dating that person, hoping that your emotions will evolve in something even greater. Maybe she will "convert" to christianity, and you will be able to marry and be happy with you. And maybe not, maybe your bond will not become so strong. And then you would have to break up, but without even trying you will never know. Many people here tend to dislike the way people label us. But aren't you (I'm not talking about you, Orthonoob, just about the thought pattern) labeling everyone else to "Orthodox" and "non-Orthodox"? We are all human beings, children of God, first and foremost. Jesus is said to be saying: "you see your brother, you see your God". This is the first principle in dating anyone - I think so, at least. Is she orthodox, catholic, evangelical, pagan, atheist - this is not the first question. Dating is about finding someone and trying to create something - maybe mature love that will lead to a marriage, maybe it will turn out to be just friendship, you never know. But it is unfair - to yourself - to scratch someone off the list because that person does not share the same, or even similar belief as you do, no matter if she is a great person or not. You do not give yourself chances - maybe that anti-christian (wo)man is your best candidate to be your spouse, you just need a little work? Or maybe not, maybe you will befriend her. This you never know, you need to try.
I do not take things like that lightly, because like I said - you are not dating a toy, but a human being. Still, trying to plan everything or assume anything is the best way to stay and have nothing at all. Dating is not getting married yet. It is more than friendship, because you create a whole new way of life with another person, and this is beautiful. You change for someone and someone tries to change for you. Will it go all good, or not? No idea. But this is life, this is what relationships are all about.
Everyone has marriage somewhere in the back of his head when dating a woman/man. But on the back of the head, not at the frontline.
That is what I am trying to say.