It would seem that a statement such as:

TestVal = RecordSet.Fields("Data")

will bind the variable to the column rather than just assigning the current value. Is this correct and if so how do I assign a value from a database?

Found the solution for those who are interested,

variable=rs.Fields("data") binds the variable to the database column.
variable=rs.Fields("data").value assigns the current value to the variable.

Not sure what RecordSet is, but here's an explanation for any one else that stumbles along:

Simple scalar variables will be copied when using the assignment operator. Scalar values include numbers and boolean values.

var my_age = 19;
var john_age = my_age;
john_age++;

// john_age is 20, but my_age is still 19.
// The assignment on the second line COPIED the value from my_age to john_age

Complex variables like strings, functions and objects are always passed by reference (what the thread starter referred to as "binding"). When you use the assignment variable a "reference" to the variable is placed into the other variable, essentially creating two variables that "point" to the same value.

var my_info = { name: 'Christopher', age: 19 };
var john_info = my_info;
john_info.name = 'John';

// Now both my_info and john_info have the name of 'John'
// On the secnd line, john_info was made to "point" to the object stored in my_info