Date Terumune became the 16th head of the Date Clan at the age of 17. He retired from that position in favor of his eldest son, Date Masamune, in 1584.

In 1585, he was kidnapped by a neighboring clan, Hatakeyama Yoshitsugu under pretense of asking for Terumune's help in intercession with Masamune. Masamune caught up with the Hatakeyama before they reached their own castle, and Terumune was killed in the struggle.