An engagement refers to a prior agreement made by both men and women for the purpose of getting married in the future. The act of entering into an engagement is called engagement. The Marriage Law of China in 1950, 1980 and 2001 did not explicitly stipulate engagement. Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Application; Marriage Law of the People's Republic of China; Several Issues, implemented on April 1, 2004
 （2） Article 10 stipulates: "If a party requests the return of the betrothal gifts paid according to custom, the people's court shall support it if it is found that the following circumstances exist:
 （1） Both parties have not gone through marriage registration procedures;
 （2） Both parties have gone through the marriage registration procedures but do not live together;
 （3） Giving money before marriage and causing difficulties for the payer.