Date rape is rape where the perpetrator and the victim share a romantic or sexual relationship or the potential for one at the time of the assualt. It is a version of what is known as "acquaintance rape" which refers to any rape where the assailant and victim know each other, but the two are differentiated by the manner of their relationship.
Date rape may involve psychological or physical intimidation or force or it may involve the violation of someone who is unable to give consent due to incapacitation from alcohol or drugs. The assailant may even drug the victim using drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, or Ketamine which are commonly referred to as "date rape drugs."