Dating methods are ways used to find out how old an object or material is. These methods help place events and discoveries in time. They are used in archaeology, history, and science.

One common method is carbon dating, which can be used for objects up to about 50,000 years old. Another method studies layers of soil, called stratigraphy, to understand age. Scientists may also examine materials like wood or rock.

Dating methods are applied to artifacts, fossils, and remains. The results help researchers build timelines of past events and civilizations.