[Education] - Non-Muslim woman of the book

Salam brothers and sisters.
This may seem similar to some of the questions I have been asking recently but with a slight difference.

I am interested in being educated and learn the facts (not cultural) so before everybody starts judging - take a seat and relax, Alhamdulillah.


I understand that a Muslim man may marry a woman who is of the book. They must also be chaste.

Now, before I continue - I want to make it clear: I KNOW IT IS BETTER TO MARRY A MUSLIM WOMAN!
I know a lot of people jump straight to this point and don't read or listen - so I had to get it out of the way

These days, we all know that it is difficult (in the west specifically) to find a chaste woman who is a non-Muslim.

What I understand is that, they must repent and mean it sincerely in order to get married to a Muslim man. Question here is, who does she repent to? How does she repent? What does she need to do?

I also understand that they do not have to convert to being a Muslim but it is PREFERRED.

This is all fine and dandy but here are the REAL questions whom I want an answer from a knowledgeable scholar:

If you meet a woman who is from the people of the book, and she does not want to convert (yet, but Inshallah maybe in the future) - what is the etiquette of getting to know them in the halal way? (I know, no touching, kissing etc...).
What about when time comes for marriage - what is the way of getting married given this type of situation and make it Islamic?


Once again, I know that it is better to marry a Muslim woman for many reasons, I just wanted to clarify and increase my knowledge on such a situation and how to deal with it in todays world and society.

Thank you.