I grew up with "play dates" but it was only when it was like four of us from preschool getting together at someone's house. It was totally for the moms too, at least sometimes, but we were all friends and got along too and not all of the moms hung out at the same time.
Doing it that way makes sense to me because you're coordinating multiple people, but it wasn't about exclusivity either.
__________________
From the SigmaTo the K!
Polyamorous, Pansexual and Proud of it! It Gets Better
Threaded Mode