What's the Difference Between Dating and Being in a Relationship?

When you go out with someone, you don't necessarily take it seriously, so you prioritize other things besides that person, such as work, friends, activities, etc. But when you're in a relationship, your dynamics with other people can change completely because the person you're with is of paramount importance in your life. It may seem like there's a thin and annoying line between a relationship and a date, but there's much more to it than that. So what's the difference between dating and relationships? Dating can be an adventure involving casual sex and fun, but a relationship is a more serious and romantic affair.

Dating doesn't involve exclusivity, but a relationship is based on loyalty. There's more love than lust in a relationship and being your “stupid, careless self” is OK. Let's now review the differences between dating and being in a relationship. When it comes to defining the relationship, communication is key.

The main differences between dating and being in a relationship are the amount of time, energy, attention and affection that will be shown to one another over time. The level of the relationship you have with another person defines the difference between casual dating and being in a real, committed relationship. Meanwhile, being in a relationship can be vague and can be used to define a multitude of different interactions. However, in a relationship, it's more exclusive, highlighting the importance of loyalty and fidelity.

Well, there are some stages of a dating relationship that can help you understand this much better. But a relationship can be incredibly rewarding and meaningful once you're both on the same page about your goals as a couple. Finally, you should know that just because you sleep with someone doesn't mean you're in a relationship. So, at what point does the difference between dating and relationships stop mattering because they become the same thing? When do you know that this is all and that now there is nowhere to go but to move up in this relationship? It's almost like the whole face of your relationship changed once you go from the dating period to the serious period.

Typically, this definition of an exclusive dating relationship that everyone has accepted means that you are “in a relationship”. But the difference between dating and relationships becomes truly obvious once you've passed that stage of extreme awareness. A relationship is rather based on sacrifices and commitments.