Where is the line between "dating" and a "relationship"?

[Anonymous]

When is it not dating anymore? When do you became girlfriend and boyfriend?

I have only been dating myself, never had a "girlfriend", so I really don't know the answer to this.

[Tigerlily]

So many people have so many different views on this. I know people who say it's supposed to be 'just implied' that you've become a couple after you've been dating for a while... though you might have different ideas as to what 'a while' is. One way to get clear on it is to have The Talk but I'm no expert on that, I've never initiated it ever and never really had much problem with it. Like Rachel Marie said, for teenagers it tends to be that once you've had a date with someone (or sometimes even when you've only agreed to go on the date) you're automatically a couple. This does make it much simpler but also kind of cuts off your options. Other people will date whoever they want until they get engaged.

The way I see it, you're not giving someone your full attention if you're also dating other people. So I wouldn't date more than one person at once. With me personally I tend to know if I'm going to be comfortable with someone or not by the 3rd meeting (or date, in this instance) so I could say that if I've had one or two dates with someone, I could also arrange a date with someone else. If the third date happens and I don't really think I'm feeling it for them then I can break it off and I still have my other option(s) open. But if I was feeling it for that person then I shouldn't really be dating anyone else, so I'd break that off.

So the 3rd date has been and gone and I'm thinking I want to keep seeing this particular person and I know I don't want to date anyone else. The problem then is whether it's the same on both sides. For all I know, I'm on a date with someone who thinks you shouldn't have to be exclusive until you've been dating for at least 3 months. I could bring it up and risk sounding like I'm pressuring them, or I could stuff it down and feel really uncomfortable. I think the best way you can get around it is to bring it up casually before/on the 1st date so that you know what to expect if you were to get to that point, and they know you're not actually putting any pressure on them because you haven't known each other long enough to even want to think about pressuring eachother. You don't know what you want yet so it's okay to just talk about it.

Having said that, how do you know that you've never had a 'girlfriend'? Maybe that'd define your personal answer to this.

[toulouse]

I like your entire answer ( wish I knew you so you could tell me that 2 years ago lol) & that " how do you know that you've never had a 'girlfriend'? Maybe that'd define your personal answer to this. " was clever *

[alliebeatbama]

What if you were friends before and then established that you like each other and start going on dates? you can't exactly talk about it on the first date because it will seem like pressure, so when does it become official in that case?

[Tigerlily]

Well to be honest I think if you're friends first you ought to know these things about them before you agree todate them, and either way to me it doesn't seem like pressure if you say to them you just wanna get clear on what you can and can't expect from them, toavoid ruining the friendship. plus if you're friends first you should have a good reason for wanting to change that so the dating-to-couple transition will probably happen quicker anyway

[TaurusFemmeFatale]

Taking dating to the next level depends on the person. My advice, if you want to be her man, then tell her. Keep in mind women are not mind readers!

Dating means that you're going out to a movie, bowling, eating dinner, kissing, holding hands, but the both of you are NOT EXCLUSIVE! This means that she's free to date other people.

Being in a relationship means that you're going out to a movie, bowling, eating dinner, kissing, holding hands, and the two of you are EXCLUSIVE. Which means that she can not date other people. When you're with that person, their feelings are also taken into consideration.

[CKhan]

You become girlfriend/boyfriend when you both decide that it would be a good idea. If you are feeling like you are getting to that point, you want to meet with your date and ask her what you are asking us casually. Don't overstate it but I say, open up to her and ask her what she thinks the line is. She'll appreciate it.

[goldenheartone2]

There is truly a fine line between just dating ( Just hanging out ) and a relationship. I want to say this a woman will follow your lead if you know what you want. I want to say to you know what you want before you ask her for more. Far too many men, feel if they are in a relationship then the sex is automatic and to be honest a coward use getting in a relationship to get laid. A woman deserve to know the truth and what you want. In today society, your generation have an open approach to relationships so it can be a bit confusing. But I will add, if you ask a woman what do she want she will tell you. Ask her, do she see you as a friend, a lover or more..? You would be amazed what women think..lol... No one is a mind reader so if you want more ask for more and be ready for the answer it may not be what you want to hear but you will at least know where you are in the relationship. Dating should be fun and never get too serious for the wrong reason. I tell people all the time like any thing it takes time to blossom but it only take a second to kill a budding relationship with selfishness... Think about how the other person feel and you will do just fine... Go get what you want and best to you...Smiles

[TServo]

There is no answer. There are no Boyfriends and Girlfriends, anymore. No one wants to be in a relationship anymore. Now the only thing people do is "Hang-out." This is still a relationship, whether these people want to admit it, or not. It's exactly the same thing, only one major difference: They just gave it a different name, so that they can convince and say to themselves that they are completely not in a relationship, and that they're just "Hanging out". It just makes people feel better when they convince themselves that they are "Still free to date whoever and do whatever they want." Which is wierd, cause they never want to date anyone, they always just wanna "Hang out." You getting it yet? Its a never ending cycle designed by people to make people feel less commited to a person. The only thing about that, is that they still are, what with the emotions and such. They pretend the emotions aren't there, even though they are always there. Its a way of feeling like their better than people in relationships, even though they are still in one.

That didn't really answer your question, did it?

[Myrrth]

There's something of an answer in here. If hanging out is seemingly just dating in denial of emotions then those emotions are the key. If your emotions drive you

[Myrrth]

There's something of an answer in here. If hanging out is seemingly just dating in denial of emotions then those emotions are the key. If your emotions drive you to commitment to your significant other and (important here) she to you then you have moved beyond dating into being a couple.

Sorry for the double post, computer went silly for a moment.

[toulouse]

Best Answer ^ ^

1 of 2 definitely insightful helpful realistic Answers*

I hung out for three years & I never wanted to hang out with anyone else the entire time. - & He did not - I don't ow what he wanted but he did ont do it & we nev talked abot it ONCE.

I did not care one way or the other except boyfriend girlfriend sounded so silly.

I did ohwever thin that if hefelt like we were SUPOSED tobe there he would think I had expectations of him that freaked ihm out. We kept it free & tranquil until he start

[toulouse]

Started to worry abot why I was ont deanding anything .. I was not because it is just not ow I look at the world- HE I think needed someone to disrupt ihs world, in order to feel wanted ot loved..

I am more practical lol If I like someone I have to like them A LOT to lkethem & that is it for as long as I likethem.

I think he needs miore structure to his 'hangout' (relationship). Structure that he either fears or acceots or respects, but it has to be thier or he does not know what to think ^

[SUPERCHEERCHICK]

AMEN BRUTHA!

[themastaplan]

ok so dating is when you are going out on, well, "dates"...you go out, eat something or go out and do something fun where you meet one another, get to know one another better - see if you're compatable..at this stage you are both still "free game" to other people...which basically means ok sure you're "dating" but you aren't official and if someone wants a piece of you they can have it...

when you're in a relationship its "your mine and I'm yours, no one else can touch either of us" - you basically say hey I like you, a lot, I want to make you mine and not have anyone else get the chance to be with you...

now when does this phase from dating to a relationship start? well that's up to both parties...i wouldn't necessarily jump on something, I mean id go out on a few dates, hang out one v one, see if you guys really click and then id decide if I want to take it to the next level (a relationship) that's when you ask or she asks you and then the other person says yes or no...

hope this helps.

[stktder]

OK, first question is, When is it not dating anymore? Back when I was married, I continued to date my wife because it helps to keep the spark in the relationship. Both dating and marriage require a lot of work on both sides. As for a relationship, which is the same as being boyfriend/girlfriend, well that is between the two of you. When you both are no longer seeing anyone else, then you have a relationship, also called boyfriend/girlfriend.

Good Luck

[Rachel_Marie_TheGame]

One of the things I hate, in high school, dating IS a relationship. Someone asks you out, and bam, your a couple. So, In my opinion, ask the girl to find out.

[The-Dude-Next-Door]

Exclusivity is where you draw the line. Simple answer

[kriskahn21]

Totally agree.

[EricaMissAmerica]

"dating" isn't being tied down.

"relationship" means your happy with one spacific person.

[BaseballGurll]

After you have a talk and establish that you are girlfriend and boyfriend.

[sophiapetros]

I think you should have that conversation with the one you are dating ...

be specific and clear!