Dating Vs Relationship: Know the Differences to Define Your Connection-
Some may be asking if dating and relationships are the same. Dating vs relationships are two different things.
Dating is an intimate relationship 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.
The relationship may be sexual, serious or casual, straight or gay, monogamous or open, short-term or long-term. There are 5 stages in dating such as attraction, reality, commitment, intimacy, and finally, engagement.
Dating vs relationships are two different things. While you are still dating, there is no commitment, and you have other priorities. However, in a relationship, your partner is your top priority.
Dating
- No commitment
- Focus on getting to know each other
- Less frequent communication and time spent together
- Can dating multiple people at once
- Less sharing of personal information
- Less planning for the future and may end up not marrying
Relationship
- Committed and exclusive
- Monogamous
- Focus on building a deeper connection
- More frequent communication and time spent together
- More sharing of personal information
- More planning for the future
Let’s have a quick look at other factors that define dating and relationship differences.
Mutual feeling
You’re the best judge of your relationship. The two of you must make a choice that you are either dating or are in a relationship.
When it comes to the difference between dating and relationship, the former doesn’t endow you with any responsibility, whereas with the latter, there are some responsibilities that you must embrace. So, make sure that you both are in agreement regarding your relationship status.
Enjoying each other’s company
When you are comfortable with someone and enjoy their company the most, you certainly have moved up the ladder towards a relationship. When considering dating vs. a relationship, comfort lies on the side of relationships.
You are no longer just trying to know each other; you both pretty much are comfortable and enjoy each other’s company. You have clarity and would surely like to see things going in a good direction.
Making plans together
This is another major dating vs. relationship point that can help you understand where you stand. When you’re dating, you may not make plans together quite often. You would rather be with your close friends and family than make plans with someone you’re dating.
Also, see: Understanding the Psychology Behind Why Do Men Cheat?
However, when you’re in a relationship, you make most of your plans with that person. You even plan your trips accordingly. This is a revealing trait when comparing dating versus relationships.
Trust
Trusting someone is one of the biggest things. In dating vs. relationships, look at the question of whether you trust your partner or not.
If you like to go out with them and still would like to take some time to learn to trust them, then you’re not there yet. You trust someone who is close to you and someone with whom you have agreed to be in a committed relationship.
Showing your true self
While dating, everyone wants to be their best. They don’t want to show their ugly side and push others away. Only your friends and family have seen you your worst. When someone joins the list, then you aren’t dating anymore. You are entering into a relationship, and that’s a good thing.
Now you should be able to make out the difference between a relationship and dating. Dating is the precursor to a relationship.