I hope the examples make the difference clear. Dated things are usually perfectly functional and usable; they are just not considered modern enough. Outdated things are in some way no longer usable or suitable for the purpose they were made for; they are obsolete.

What is the meaning of dated?

dated Add to list Share. Something that's dated is very obviously old-fashioned or out of style. Your grandmother's expectation that you send her a written thank-you note whenever she gives you a gift might seem a little dated to you.

What is outdated person?

(aʊtdeɪtɪd ) adjective. If you describe something as outdated, you mean that you think it is old-fashioned and no longer useful or relevant to modern life.