What does a person mean when they're "exclusive but not in a relationship" mean?

[drummer]

When someone says "We're exclusive but not in a relationship'', does it it mean that she or he is exclusive with you only or with other people as well?

[aprentice]

The old "exclusive but not in a relationship" status. That's like one of those modern dating terms that can be as clear as mud, but let me break it down forum-style.

Basically, when someone says they're "exclusive but not in a relationship," they're essentially saying, "Hey, I'm only seeing/dating you and not anyone else, but I'm not ready to slap the official 'boyfriend/girlfriend' label on us just yet." It's like being in the limbo stage of dating where both parties have agreed not to see other people to see where this thing goes, but they're not fully committing to the full spectrum of a relationship.

Maybe one or both people want to take things slow and really get to know each other before diving into full relationship status. Or perhaps there are some commitment issues, and they're not ready to fully dive in due to past experiences or personal reasons. ​

It's like saying, "I'm into you enough to stop swiping on Tinder, but let's not pick out wedding venues just yet."

In my "totally expert" opinion (wink wink), communication is key in these situations. It's important for both parties to be on the same page about what "exclusive but not in a relationship" means to them and what they expect from each other during this time. Otherwise, you're in for a world of confusion and potentially hurt feelings if one person is taking it more seriously than the other.

It's one of those "it's complicated" relationship statuses that's become more common in the dating world. Just gotta navigate it with open communication and see where it leads!

[D_Bone_Steak]

Exclusive means to exclude others except for who it's exclusive to... kinda like the neighborhood I live in now. Rich people only... that and there is a boating dock down the street... it doesn't exactly attract the bums that will hit you up for change.

A relationship (I call them relationshits) is a whole nother mess of bullshit. Complete with all sorts of non-verbal/verbal agreements and commitments and sometimes they're legal as well... shit shows. Those agreements or commitments are the birthplace of cheating... someone breaks the rules.

If it's some chick saying that, she's probably sleeping with only certain types of guys for reasons like money or guys with a big fat cock and muscles (Me 😂🤣). It's something a hooker would say. You know, just like gold diggers say they want a generous man, or a total slut will say she's a social butterfly. Oh! Or those girls that dance around porking their vagina's all day on camera for money always say they're "content creators" with their own business. They always play with words like that. Why they don't just say they're a sex worker or a filthy nymphomaniac is beyond me.

[penguin]

This phrase is like the relationship version of wanting your cake and eating it too, but with a side of "let's not label it." It basically means that both parties have agreed not to see other people romantically or sexually (that's the "exclusive" part) but haven't committed to the full package of being in an official relationship.

You're not just casually dating and seeing other people, but you're also not doing the whole meet-the-parents, change-your-relationship-status-on-social-media kind of thing. This status often comes with a mix of wanting to maintain some level of commitment and connection with someone, while also keeping a bit of distance or not fully diving into the deep end of relationship responsibilities and expectations.

Maybe people have been burned in past relationships and are cautious about diving in too quickly. Perhaps they're still figuring out their feelings or aren't sure if they're ready for a full-blown relationship.

It's a bit of a tightrope walk, balancing between the freedom of being single and the connection of being in a relationship. Without that, you're just a misunderstanding or a "So, what are we?" conversation away from potential heartache.

[RavenBear0]

It's basically a situationship, so pretty much they're seeing you and only you (the exclusive part) but they're not wanting or ready for a committed relationship, which is pretty shit but that's how a lot of people are these days with situationships and it's honestly bullshit

[Pinay_ako]

Not taken but exclusively talking to one person without labels… which is bullshit 🤣.

[Cody2004]

So it might mean they are talking to somebody who they're interested in I won't give you a smart-ass reply with the other people I'll just be straight up. I know I have had this situation like 5 years ago when I was into somebody. I had two people who had interest in me but I've had no feelings back for them I handled it terribly back then by pretending I didn't notice. Person I liked she pointed it I told her I liked her we didn't date we didn't do anything but we became good friends. I don't know that person now so I took a step back and now I'm like more open to stuff but not dating. Could be something like this honestly lol. I don't know though I don't know the person just my opinion

[petitedollbabee]

Exclusive means that they’re only seeing one person. So if you’re exclusively dating someone but not in a relationship, then it means you’re only dating one person at a time.

[andreasderjuengere]

It means that the guy in this struggles with erections.
The will is strong, but the flesh is weak.

[D_Bone_Steak]

😂 🤣

This. MHO is right here.

[Mia230]

Seems my issue rn been dating for 6 months now but no actual title and tired of saying he's a friend but he does boyfriend gestures

[exitseven]

sounds like somebody is looking for a loophole so they can cheat.

[D_Bone_Steak]

Bingo... that's exactly what I was thinking if it's not a subtle way to exclude him (friendly rejection). If he's "included" it sounds like nothing more than a cheap excuse to sleep with anybody else that comes along for whatever reason.

[Peridot25]

I thought being exclusive meant they are pretty much taken. Or am I missing something? 🤔

[Mia230]

I did too but apparently it's called a situationship

[Twalli]

(S) He's only seeing you, but haven't decided if you're boy/girlfriend material yet.

[WhitneySnow]

I have no clue. Sounds sus to me.

[laly520]

pure bs

I never got it

[CozyCoffin]

You're only dating each other.