When I first read this I asked my teen-in-the-’60s-age relative about that very issue. Received a whole lecture about the differences between ‘going on a date’ and ‘dating’ and ‘going steady’ etc. Social distinctions (apparently less well-defined in modern times) that would allow for Archie to date both Betty and Veronica without ‘cheating’ on either.
General take away was that what Peter is doing here (not telling two ladies about each other) was idiotic, but not necessarily unexpected, or even unethical.
Liz is discovering a woman's desire for a partner who can hold a conversation for more than 30 seconds. Amazing Spiderman 14