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Dating Vs Relationship

By on August 10, 2016

There seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to dating and relationships, even love. Are you guys together? Are you monogamous? Is this relationship even going anywhere!? There’s probably a multitude of questions running through your head when you’re talking to someone or seeing someone somewhat regularly, so what’s the deal- are you just dating, or are you in a relationship? We’re going to break it down with 5 signs you’re just dating, and 5 signs you’re actually in a relationship.

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Signs You are Just Dating

1 There’s Probably More than One

If you are JUST dating a guy, then he is probably dating other girls too (and you may be seeing other men as well). I mean, why not? The two of you have not made a commitment to be loyal and only see each other, so dating is free game. You’re both free to explore other options until you’re sure you can settle on someone, whether it’s this guy or another. So, when you’re dating, almost be certain there’s other dates happening without you.

2 You Don’t Know His Friends/Family

If you aren’t his girlfriend and he’s not your boyfriend, you’re probably not being introduced to family and friends; that’s reserved for more serious relationships. So keep that in mind: he isn’t going to bring you around until he is sure you are his girlfriend and the two of you have the potential of lasting a long time, and you probably wouldn’t do that with your friends either.

3 You Don’t See Each Other TOO Often

Sure, you’re dating; but you’re probably not texting and calling twenty-four seven like a couple in love, and you’re probably not seeing each other all TOO often. You’re probably seeing each other for a date once, maybe twice a week, and that’s it. Now, if the dates start occurring more often, then the two of you are probably working towards being in an exclusive relationship. But until then, dates that happen every so often is just that- a date- and nothing more. Consider how many times you’re seeing this guy on a weekly basis and also consider how many times you’re texting each other or calling each other to determine which road you’re taking towards being in a relationship.

4 May or May Not be Intimate

Some people go on a date and find themselves under the sheets that very night- and that’s okay, if you’re not waiting until the two of you are exclusive. He is probably seeing other girls and you need to know that. On the other hand, some women wait until they’re in a solid relationship before giving up the goods. Whatever the deal may be, dating could be a friends with benefits type thing, or you could be holding out until he asks you to be your girlfriend.

5 Nothing too Serious

Dating should be fun and casual, getting to know someone as much as you can before leaping into a relationship. That being said, it’s nothing serious. Like I mentioned above, the two of you probably aren’t talking nonstop and probably don’t hangout too much. The dates are fun, but you’re not exclusive so you can’t be mad when he is seeing someone else at the same time. You can’t be mad if he’s texting other people or not making time for you. It’s a casual deal until the two of you decide to take your relationship to the next level, so jealousy and getting mad about ‘girlfriend’ things is completely out of the question until the two of you are exclusive.

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Signs You are in a Relationship

1 You’ve Made a Commitment to One Another

Once you are in a relationship, the two of you should be monogamous with each other. There is no more dating other people, and there is definitely no more sleeping around. You make a commitment to be with each other and that is it. He has asked you to be his girlfriend, and you accepted- and that’s that.

2 Strong Connection

Two people who are in a relationship with one another are undoubtedly going to have a very deep and strong connection with each other. You know your boyfriend well, and he knows you incredibly well too. He should be your best friend and your lover simultaneously. The two of you should be able to be perfectly comfortable in a room together even in the silence, but you also have the ability to talk for hours on end without losing the fun of the conversation. You should be able to tell him anything without judgement, and he do the same for you. There is undeniable trust in your relationship, no hidden secrets or lack of loyalty.

3 Looking for a Future Together

When you decide to enter into an exclusive relationship with someone, it isn’t just for fun and giggles; you are deciding to take a step forward with this individual because you truly see a potential future between the two of you. And not only should you see the potential, but you and your boyfriend should actively be working towards that future goal. The two of you should have similar goals that you both want and will both work for. Now, I’m not saying get married in a month and start having babies right away; but, you should have FUTURE goals that you’re both looking towards, and it’s a-okay to have short term goals as well like a promotion or finishing school. And don’t forget- you both should be each others’ cheerleaders, offering encouragement at every turn.

4 Met Family/Friends

Like I mentioned earlier, if you’re not in a relationship, you’re not being introduced to anyone close to him; and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. HOWEVER, if the two of you are now in a relationship, then you should be introduced to family and friends very soon after it’s made official. You may meet the friends first just to ease into everything, or you may jumpstart to a family gathering. Either way, you’re no secret and he will be introducing you to his loved ones as his ‘girlfriend’.

5 It’s ‘Official’

Okay, so, obviously if he asks you out to be his girlfriend and be absolutely exclusive with him in a monogamous relationship, then you’re in a relationship. This can also mean you make it ‘official’ on social media such as Facebook, and adding your status to other profiles like Instagram or Twitter as well. Everyone knows you’re together and it’s an official thing between the two of you- no questioning it!

What do you think are some differences between dating and being in a relationship?

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