How Many Dates Until You're Considered Dating?

When it comes to relationships, there's no set rule about when they become official. But if you're wondering how many dates it takes before you can consider yourself in a relationship, the answer is not so straightforward. The 10-date rule is often used as a benchmark, but it's not a hard and fast rule. To help answer this question, we turned to Sarah Kahan, a licensed clinical social worker in Brooklyn who helps individuals and couples manage their relationships.

According to Kahan, there are certain signs that can indicate you're ready to take your relationship to the next level. She suggests paying attention to how often you see each other, if you've met each other's family members, and if you've been to each other's homes. If all of these things have happened, then it could be a sign that you're ready to become exclusive. Candice Mostisser, a date coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, also suggests taking time to get to know your potential partner and considering what your future together will look like.

It's also important to have the scary conversation about the relationship and be vulnerable with each other. If you feel strong enough in your connection to even consider an argument, then that could be a sign of things to come. Unfortunately, with all matters of the heart, including romantic relationships, there is no specific number of dates that equate to exclusivity. One bad date after another can leave you feeling insecure and unstable, so it's important to take your time and get to know someone before making any commitments. He specializes in advising others on best practices and strategies for succeeding on first dates and in the online dating world. At the end of the day, there is no set number of dates before it is a relationship.

Ten dates is a good number because it gives people enough time to do different things and get to know each other in different environments. But if you don't feel ready after ten dates, then don't rush into anything. All of these things can go a long way in helping people realize that they might not want to be in a relationship with someone.