Are You Just Dating or in a Relationship?

 

If you’re reading this, you’re probably confused about the status of your relationship. Are we just dating or are we in an exclusive relationship? We totally get it. Sometimes, the lines can get pretty blurry and ~love~ can definitely cloud your judgment. So we asked Audrey Hope, celebrity renowned relationship therapist, for help in distinguishing the difference between dating and being in a relationship.
But first things first: regardless of where you’re at in your relationship, Hope says it’s important to be ready and know what you want. Be confident in your decision! Do you want a casual relationship or are you looking for something more serious? “First figure out what you want in love,” Hope says. “If you’re involved in something you don’t want, you’re in dangerous territory.”

If you’re ready for that next step, the most definite way to understand where you are with your (potential) partner is to simply talk about it, aka define the relationship. If you’ve been hanging out with bae for a while and feel that you could be something more, Hope insists you should build up the courage to have the relationship talk. “In all relationships, communication and honesty are the most important thing,” she says. And if the beginning of your relationship is built upon that strong communication and trust, you’re setting yourself up for a solid relationship.
But you might want help gauging your situation before you launch into that talk, and that’s what we’re here for. Here are questions to ask yourself about whether you’re just dating or treading in relationship territory.

HAVE YOU MET THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
A sure sign that you’re in a ~serious~ relationship is that you’re hanging out with bae’s family and friends. “People know when you’re a couple and that person is proud to show you off,” Hope says regarding when you’re in a relationship.
If they have yet to introduce you to their fam and particularly their BFFs, they may not be ready for that next step. “Friends will give you the real deal,” Hope says. So if bae seems hesitant about introducing you to their friends, they might be worried about what they have to say or if they will approve of the relationship.

ARE YOU THEIR NUMBER ONE?
Though everyone is different, being in a relationship usually means that you and your S.O. are exclusively dating each other. According to Hope, this also means that “you feel like you’re number one.” Are there any lingering exes in their lives?

Plus, Hope says that it’s common for people just dating to feel like their S.O. could leave them if someone “better” comes along. But if you feel secure in your partnership, you’ve probably passed the dating phase.

WHEN DO YOU USUALLY HANG OUT WITH THEM?
Are you catching them between breaks in the hallway and meeting at Starbucks for a quick coffee date after school? Or are you sitting down for meals at restaurants and inviting them over to chill at your house? Think about what time and where you’re usually going on dates or hanging out, Hope says. That way, you’ll be able to tell if they’re dedicating their important time to you, or just hanging out when it’s convenient for them.
Also, if you’re able to assume you’ll be spending time over the weekend or have a set Saturday night date, you probably have somewhat of a routine together. This definitely means that you and your partners are pretty serious.

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HOW OFTEN ARE YOU COMMUNICATING?
If you’re constantly waiting to hear back from your crush, it could mean you might not be a priority. Though there is such thing as texting too much and too often, if you feel uneasy or skeptical when they don’t get back to you quickly, this could be a red flag.

Hope says that even if your S.O. might be a bad texter, if they are interested in you, they shouldn’t be leaving you hanging!

Source: Seventeen