What is the interpretation of Allah Almighty’s saying: (But do not make secret promises to them, unless you speak in a recognized manner)?

Verse (235) of Surat al-Baqarah permits believers to hint at proposing to women in their iddah (definition) (waiting period) due to a husband's death, or to keep such intentions to themselves, knowing that Allah is aware of what is in their hearts. The verse forbids making a secret promise to them, except for what is known as good, which is the permitted hinting mentioned at the beginning of the verse. The verse does not include permissibility to get to know women, except for those who intend to marry them, and within the limits of Islamic law, such as looking at her in the presence of her mahram (definition), and then refraining thereafter.