People have different perceptions of dating and relationship. Some may think that these are the same things. However, it is not. Dating someone is very different from being in a relationship with someone. It is very common for people to think that they are in a relationship with someone by the lots of amounts of time they spend together. Yes, it is true in many cases. If we spend time with someone we feel that we know all about them. This can go on for many days. But sometimes the attraction may end abruptly.
That is why many people do not know the difference between what is dating someone, what is being in a relationship with someone. If you are one of those people then know all the important information about dating and relationship here. Then it will be easy for you if you are dating someone or in a relationship.
What is dating?
Today the meaning of the word dating has become ambiguous. So what is dating someone? There is no particular meaning for it anymore. However, usually, it means an open relationship, a togetherness of a couple but not more than that. The two people will enjoy each other’s company by going out. Yet they are not certain about what the future brings for their relationship. It is like a period the couple use to see if they are suitable for each other. Then only they can decide if they want to get together for long time or not.
If a person says he or she is dating someone then it means that they are still getting to know each other. They may become very close after the dating period or they may end it if it does not work out. Moreover, the people who are dating may use phrases like hanging out, seeing someone and many others. There is no stress of commitment or other matters during the dating period. The couple who are dating will be clear about their intentions. But if it becomes serious they will talk and come to a decision based on their feelings. There are no strings attached in dating.
What is relationship?
Humans do not like to be alone because they are social creatures. Also, humans are built with a need to enjoy intimacy with another human. That is why we are always searching for the better half. What is being in a relationship with someone? When people say that they are in a relationship it means that they are romantically attached with a person they want to be. They would have gone on several dates with that particular person and they may really like that person.
They will have shared some personal details of their life. Moreover, their family members would know that they are together. The couple in a relationship will begin to know the other more. They might have got intimate and too friendly with each other. Also, they will try to understand the other’s feelings and emotions more. One person would see the other’s good qualities and appreciate them.
Furthermore, some couples might also start to think if they can carry the relationship forward and marry. So being in a relationship means that things are starting to get serious. But this is also the time to be patient because both of the people in the relationship may not have the same mindset. According to some studies men delay more than women to develop the relationship into something more.
5 Differences between Dating and Relationship
If you are still confused between dating and relationship, then check out the following points below. You will get to know some of the major differences between them.
1. Mutual feelings
Dating is not mutual because the couples who are dating may not be on the same page. For instance, a person may date several persons at the same time. He or she may want to find the best person to start a relationship with so they may not commit to one person. But it is different in a relationship.
A person will only share his feelings and life with another person in a relationship. There are mutual commitment and trust in a relationship, unlike dating. Therefore, the people who are dating may not share the same feelings however people in a relationship will know what they are feeling about their romantic partner.
2. Communication
The people who are dating only share the interesting parts and details of their life. But the couples in a relationship share every part of their life. They get accustomed to each other’s daily routines and way of life. There are no secrets between them anymore. The fun part and also the boring parts of life mix together.
The communication between the couple becomes more intimate and comfortable, unlike the couples who are dating. The couples in a relationship do not wait for a perfect time to talk but they talk anytime they want. This is one of the major differences between dating and relationship.
3. Expectations
While on dating the expectations will be high but not that much high. However, a couple who are in a relationship expect many things from each other. As their relationship is growing daily they will require their partner to be more loving and understanding. They will want to spend more and more time together.
4. Priorities
The couple who are dating may have many other priorities. But the couple who are in a relationship will try to make each other their priority. When their relationship becomes serious they will always try to make each other happy. So the other things in life will be less important than their relationship.
5. Stop looking around
If a person is dating someone they may try to look for other possible partners to date too. However, in terms of relationship the person may not look around anymore. As he or she is in a solid relationship they will stop looking for other possible partners. They come to a stage in life that they are very comfortable with the romantic partner they have. Therefore, other attractive people might fall out of the picture.
Conclusion
These are the difference between dating and relationship. If you know the relationship between these two you can handle your life easily.
Also read: 6 Main Reasons Explaining Why Couples Break up in Their Love Relationship
