I believe that one of the signs that a person is ready to start dating is that they are thinking about their future and understands that it is about giving and loving another person and not about the universe revolving around them. It is being prepared to give of themselves and not about what they will be getting from someone else. This is a big revelation. A person who is eager to marry because what they can gain from marriage is not as mature as they think they are. Of course everyone gains from marriage, your zivig completes you and you are raised to a higher madreigah. But looking for what you can gain from marriage is not the real sign of maturity and readiness for marriage.
Understanding that YOU yourself have a lot to give to another person, compassion, love, patience, understanding, friendship, companionship, kindness, generosity, appreciation, etc. Things that you observed and were taught by your parents, grandparents, rebbeim, friends, etc. The qualities and values that have evolved within you that have made you who you are. When you recognize that you are ready to share this with another person and ready to give of yourself, then you are mature enough and ready to find your zivig.
As far as parents are concerned, when I speak to parents and they tell me they have a child in the parsha I alwasy ask “what is your child looking for in a partner”. If they tell me what they are looking for I listen politely and then say ” I hear you and that’s very interesting, but really what is your child looking for”.