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Dating vs. Relationship...

redips

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I was having a discussion with my friends yesterday, and I just realized that my understanding of this is perhaps too naive, or at least uncommon. So I thought I'd ask you guys:

What exactly is the difference between dating and being in a relationship? Where is the line?

When you cross the line, from dating to being in a relationship, does it mean that you start:

1. being exclusive?

2. calling each other affectionate names, like babe, baby, sweetheart, darling?

3. saying "I love you"

4. introducing each other to friends and family

5. spending the night together; leaving a toothbrush at each other's places

6. calling each other "mine," "my man," etc.


This is not my list, but just some ideas. I'd think that #1 is definitely part of the "line," but I'm really not sure about the others. I'd think that the rest could still happen while you're dating? What do you think? Which of these are on your list? (And what am I missing?)
 
1. Exclusivity is commonplace for a relationship
2. Depends on the person
3. Only when truly felt, otherwise just a phrase used by players
4. An indicator that you're on the right tract
6. My Man ... you are my young padawan apprentice fully deserving the title of "Jedi Master" now
 
1. Generally exclusivity is a sign you're in a relationship.
2. Depends really. Some people don't like them and I respect that.
3. Something that gets thrown too much around. People often forget you can show love with actually saying it (which IMO is far more important than "3 words").
4. This is usually after a year of dating. Then again, I hate talking about my social life with my family. Literally I told my mom "the moment I talk about my social life with you, it will most likely be when I get married."
5. Meh
6. I hate any ownership terms like that. My current BF says "you're my boy XXXXXX!!" all the time and I just roll my eyes and say 'uh huh'.
 
To me, it needs to be said verbally, to everyone, and practiced according to the terms that both people agreed upon.
 
Thanks guys. Sorry about my naïvité, but I thought about this more and am very confused about one thing:

So, suppose we ignore #1 (exclusivity)... i.e., that both parties aren't seeing anyone else, and certainly not sleeping around with anyone else...

In that case, what exactly is the difference between dating and being in a relationship?
 
I think peoples definitions on this vary. For us it was when we started spending the night.
 
It doesn't really matter what the distinction is as long as you are both happy. It sounds corny, but it is basically true, IMO.
 
For me dating means I'm still in the getting to know the person phase.

Relationship means I know enough to want to be with the person for the near future.
 
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