Dating and relationships share the common characteristic of being fun activities.
Are you really still dating when you thought you were actually in a relationship?
People engage in these activities because of the happiness associated with being close to someone they like. Positive emotions usually run high in dating and relationships.
They also offer a chance for the parties involved to share their tribulations and joys. Those who are dating or in a relationship can relax comfortably knowing that they have a constant shoulder to support them.
Nevertheless, the similarities between and relationship stops there.
Many people have a tendency to use the two terms interchangeably. As a matter of fact, many people do not know whether they are dating or are in a relationship. Unknown to them, dating and relationship differ from one another in different aspects.
This is down to the fact that they cannot decode the tell-tale signals that define the status of their relationships.
Characteristics Of Dating
Some of the activities that feature when dating include:
Casual Agreements
For example, both parties may have a casual agreement to undertake certain activities on certain days. This means that commitment is usually pushed to the periphery.
There is never a big deal in the event that one of the partners would wish to cancel the arrangement. In this case, any of the parties would not make a big deal upon the cancellation of these plans.
Small Talk Conversations
Those who are dating are more likely to engage in small talk than those in serious relationships.
Both partners try to avoid the temptation of burdening each other with problems. The topics of the conversation are often general and center on issues that interest both parties.
The small talk conversations could range from the latest movies to the last episode of a TV series.
Predominant Physical Feelings
Dating may be based purely on physical feelings.
In most cases, people date one another because they feel physically attracted to each other. This physical attraction usually provides the gateway to exploring the inner characters of both partners.
This exploration is what provides the incentive to move from dating to establishing a relationship.
Tell-Tale Signs Of A Relationship
Some of the tell-tale signs of a relationship include:
Couples Miss Each Other
Being in a relationship normally involves immense emotional investments.
This is evident when one partner misses the other when they are miles apart. Both partners are constantly thinking about each other when they stay for a long time without being together.
Talking About Constructive Issues
People who are in a relationship would have to make a detour from small talk.
Instead, they engage regularly in constructive conversations. This is integral in establishing a connection between both parties.
As such, the conversations revolve around deeper issues that impact on the growth of the relationship.
Lack Of Active Dates
After establishing serious relationships, people tend to avoid serious dating.
Since they have found a perceived lifelong partner, such people do not see the need to engage in dating.
This is also down to the fact that relationships require deep commitment for their success and longevity.
Speak Your Mind, With Your Opinion
Nice to see you made it this far so here’s what you can do next:
- Do you think it’s important to understand where your relationship is at?
- Do you prefer the dating cycle or yearn to be in a more meaningful relationship?
- Click one of the Share buttons – your friends can then read this article too.
And thanks for reading too – Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
About the Author:
Tom has been writing useful and informative articles on top dating sites for over many years now. He gathers details and info on these topics from Topdatingsites.com.
Tom – who has written 1 posts on GeekandJock.
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Shaimak
The tell-tale signs of a relationship is the part I most love. Sometimes, people are too caught up in their attraction with each other to notice that their dating is flourishing into something more beautiful. This is a good thing. Just learn to finalize things so you don’t end up in confusion if this suddenly ends,
Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
Interesting comment, Shaimak and thank you for your visit too.
But isn’t the first tell-tale signs of a relationship the attraction to each other? I’d have thought that attraction (on whatever level) NEEDS to happen for the dating process to start?
I am really interested in what you mean by ‘finalize things so you don’t end up in confusion’ though. Could you elaborate a little more?
Martin recently posted..I Love Her But I Don’t Want To Be With Her
Mike
These are helpful points. I think it’s ideal that a couple who were in a relationship or on the verge would feel comfortable discussing this, so as not to leave it up to guessing, but it’s not always so easy as that.
Mike recently posted..Going In For The Kill
Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
What’s your thoughts on what the challenging parts are though, Mike?
Martin recently posted..Top 5 Reasons Men Fall In Love
mike
I think predominantly the fear of rejection and fear of caring about someone more than they care about you, is what makes it challenging. But maybe that’s just my perspective
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Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
But wouldn’t you say, Mike, that one party or the other in any relationship is likely to feel that way?
I mean it’s uncommon for both people to reach the same conclusion at the very same time. From what I see, it’s an unneeded and, probably, unfounded fear. Get what I mean?
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mike
Valid point, yes. But so many fears are irrational and baseless as you say.
I guess I mean it’s a bit scary when the love is new and you don’t know how the other feels, and fear that they won’t ‘reach that conclusion’ at all. As a loving relationship ages, that fear hopefully ceases to be.
mike recently posted..Why Women Leave
Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
Yeah, I do get what you mean Mike. I’m guessing you’re talking about those first steps with someone you’re not totally connected with. Unsure footing on the best step to take next since you’ve yet to establish a solid communication foundation. Is that what you’re referring to?
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Mike
Yes that’s exactly what I’m referring to
Dipa
A serious relationship is when you have to start thinking about finances, and moving in and living together as well as paying the bills etc. Nice points here, youngsters should definitely read this post and understand these two concepts before considering a serious commitment.
Emilia
This is very insightful, since it’s important to be able to tell when a couple stops ‘dating’ and actually gets invested in a serious relationship with each other. I’ve never been a fan of dating more than one person at a time, so open relationships are a weird concept to me.
Abhishek
These are very good points you have made here, Tom. Dating and being in a relationship is often confused by people. Thanks for the share.
Julia Reed
Hi everyone,
I do agree with every word of this post. We should distinguish between dating and relationships to avoid misunderstanding and disillusionment. Sometimes dating can grow into relationship, but sometimes it doesn’t. Anyway, we should always be realistic about the form of our relationship and have adequate expectations for our partners.
Julia Reed recently posted..Where to Find Cheap Textbooks Online: Internet’s Hidden Gems
Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
I’m going to disagree with you on this one, Julia and I’d love your comment back too.
Would you think dating is like evolution? Dating to begin to know the other person, dating of a different level when you know them reasonably well and then there’s dating your spouse which has different mannerisms than all the others.
Thoughts?
Martin recently posted..I Love Her But I Don’t Want To Be With Her
eric
Short and to the point, although I do believe relationships should be filled with active dates as well.
Martin
Twitter: GeekandJock
Too true Eric – whether you’re in a relationship / marriage / partnership, the dating cycle should never stop. It’s about freshness and caring.
Why do you think they should be filled with active dates? Actually, what do you think an active date really is, in the first place?
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Richa
Hey Tom
Loved all your points. Dating and being in a relationship are two different things and people sometimes tend to confuse both. Thanks for the share.