Dating or in a relationship? Which one are you?

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RELATIONSHIP AND DATING

A lot of people do confuse relationships with dating. They will be like I'm in a relationship with him, I'm in a relationship with her but in the actual sense, they are just dating. Sounds quite absurd right? Like in your mind right now you are trying to figure out the difference between these two. Worry less because this article is here to carry you through the process gradually and successfully. Having taken that, let's start with:

What are Relationships and Dating?

The relationship simply can be defined as the association, connection, and involvement between persons by blood or marriage, it can be an emotional or other connection. A romantic relationship which is our main focus in this article is a kind of connection and involvement mostly between two persons which is characterized by love and attraction for one another, gotten?

While dating on the other hand is a stage in a romantic relationship in which the two individuals involved engage in various activities together to evaluate each other's sustainability as a possible future partner in a romantic or intimate relationship. Getting clearer right?

Okay for a clearer purpose; a lot of us do go out on several dates with the same person. Does it now mean we are in a relationship with that person? Well, your guess is as good as mine, not all dates mean you are in a relationship with that person, you may just like going out with the person or probably you guys are just getting to know each other well. The main purpose of dating is to discover who you truly want, find opportunities to discover and embrace your value, and spend time connecting with another fellow.

Now let's go deep, when you are dating someone you are not necessarily so serious about them that's why you prioritize other things along with them like work, fun, etc. That's why most of us who confuse dating with relationships do complain mostly about lack of attention when you don't get the maximum attention needed, you are seeing the reason right. 

But in a relationship, your dynamic with other people and some things will change because the person you are with takes prime importance in your life, getting clearer I guess.

Dating sometimes may not lead to marriage since the individuals involved are still seeing if they could be compatible, so if eventually, you don't marry the person you are dating, it's just very normal. But in a relationship, there is always a possibility of marriage after all.

Let me burst your bubble, you could see a pair dating for some years and after all, they go their separate ways but maybe one of the pair moves into a relationship with another person and after some months they get married, sure you can testify about that. Now, what happened? The reason behind this is that in the first pair, they were dating, that is they were trying to see the possibility of them being an item but the chemistry was not just there so they had to move on. But in the second instance, which happens to be that one of the first pair is getting married to another person after some months, they dated, found themselves compatible, and graduated into being in a relationship that eventually led to marriage. Quite interesting right?

Dating does not necessarily require that utmost commitment but once a person is in a relationship the two have agreed to be committed to each they have officially or unofficially decided to be with each other exclusively.

While relationships are based on mutual agreement and trust, dating does not. 

The chart below will also help as a guide through dating versus relationship:

Having seen that I think is quite clearer now.

There are some steps to follow if you are aiming at a blossoming relationship with your partner, here are the six important:

• Attraction (dating stage)

• Communication (dating stage)

• Reality (graduating into the relationship)

• Commitment (relationship)

• Intimacy (relationship)

• Engagement (successful relationship)

Trust me if you follow these few buttered stages I assure you of a blossoming relationship.

I know someone might be asking how long until dating becomes a relationship. Well I cannot tell since every relationship is different but I can guess roughly from maybe from 2-4 months, it does not mean it has to be from 2-4 months, if it feels right earlier go for It, if it doesn't you can have a talk with your partner but just make sure you take those stages above into consideration.

How do you call someone you are dating but not in a relationship?

Well, you can simply call him or her your date.

Quite intriguing! Following this article, I know there might be some questions that you are free to drop in the comment box. Know your stance whether you are just dating or truly in a relationship, and feel free to communicate with your partner regarding any observation in fact communication should be the key. Play safe and stay good!