Casual dating

The difference between casual dating and friends is all in how its interpreted and the acts during the date. Some people don't see much of a difference, since you can essentially do the same thing on a casual date that you can do with friends. Exception comes in if you're doing casual sex as well, which you typically don't do with random friends (unless you're into that).

To kind of shed some light re: whats the point?

It can be an emotional crutch. If you just broke up with someone, generally you aren't looking for long term with anyone you go out with, but you want the feeling of some closeness with someone that you don't get from just friends. Think rebound relationship, except without the drama because everything is out on the table right away.

Jam it back in, in the dark.