With the current “dating” scenario or “relationship” history, we no longer have much we can call standard. There are new terms and ideas that are spawning every day, and keeping track of them is a task.
Did you know that dating and relationships are two different concepts? You and I have been using them synonymously or interchangeably. These words have been around for quite a long time, and their usage has been elusive.
Which term best describes your situation will depend on a few key differences.
Dating
This is defined as "a stage of romantic relationships in which two individuals engage in an activity together, most often with the intention of evaluating each other's suitability as a partner in a future intimate relationship." Dating can be a one-on-one process or include multiple partners.
Dating defines the early days of the relationship when you get to know the person. It gives you the opportunity to explore. You can match shared interests, compatibility, and chemistry before you delve deeper into the situation. You may develop romantic feelings for them in the future, but what you have now is a preview of what the person is like.
Dating consists of going to a movie together, taking walks, or going for dinner at a restaurant. It is the casual way of getting to know them through the nuances of the acquaintance. It is pretty clear that you are not committed to the person, and it is mutually understood. There might also be some physical intimacy involved, but that does not necessarily spell out a full-fledged relationship.
Relationship
It becomes a relationship when there is a mutual agreement that you both become exclusive of entertaining anyone else. The idea that it is still casual between both of you does not linger. There is a smooth and almost unseen transition that takes place from dating to relationship. You call yourselves boyfriend and girlfriend.
The label of a relationship suggests a deeper level of intimacy and commitment. What dating does not ensure, a relationship does– commitment. In some cases, it could lead to considering the relationship worth a lifetime or marriage in lay terms. A relationship entails a romantic, committed union between two people sharing exclusive rights over each other.
There is predictability and stability in a relationship. People share their future aspirations, career dreams, and living arrangements with their counterparts. There are relationship goals that people achieve when in these situations.
Differences Between Dating And Relationships
If you still feel that you need some help understanding the difference with real instances, don't worry. We are here to help.
One of the biggest factors that sets dating and relationships apart is commitment. It is the building block of a relationship. Dating does not expect you to stay committed because you are still getting to know each other. Practically speaking, it does not make sense that you develop a sense of commitment to a person who is still somewhat unknown.
Relationships, on the other hand, command commitment, without which it does not gain that status. A sense of exclusivity keeps the relationship going because if you are still available for others while you are with another person, it won't work.
The kind of communication people have when they are dating versus when they are in a relationship varies, too. Dating included casual texting throughout the day and some random small talk. People in relationships share more frequent phone calls, inside jokes and texts, and FaceTime all day, every day.
How Many Dates Make A Relationship?
Sarah Kahan is a licensed clinical social worker from Brooklyn. She works to help people and couples navigate relationships. She told Brides, "It takes time to see if a relationship has the ingredients to be something more serious. In the beginning, you want to see if there is commonality, if you enjoy each other, if you are attracted to each other, and that takes time."
Some of the positive signs that will help you understand if the date is going in the right direction are comfort, communication, and conjugation. When you both become comfortable in each other's presence and have no inhibitions that keep you from sharing your true self, that is an important sign that your date is relationship-friendly.
Having solid communication can help build a stronger bond. If your date is showing communication red flags, run. A healthy communication can keep you both connected and thriving. And if you find each other increasingly becoming a part of each other's lives, down to the smallest details, a relationship is well worth pursuing.
The average time it takes for a dating relationship to turn into something more serious lies anywhere between 2-4 months.
To Conclude
Dating involves getting to know a person you find attractive. A relationship is one where both partners understand that there is more at play in their shared bond than just commonalities and compatibility. They develop feelings for each other. When there is an unsaid shift in promise and commitment, there are chances you have transitioned from dating to a relationship.
The internet might use big words like romance, compatibility, attraction, and the like. But it all comes down to commitment and love. It's you who has to understand where you stand with your potential partner based on the signs you see.
If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!
