We love to talk about relationships and dating, but do you know the difference between the two? How do you know if you’re dating someone or in a committed relationship? It’s normal to wonder where you stand in your own situation because let’s be honest, it’s not always so clear. Most of us are scared to bring up that conversation out of fear of being rejected. But if you’ve learned anything from relationship writing, you deserve to know where you stand in your relationship and if the title meets your needs.
Dating vs. Relationship: 7 Differences And What The Title Really Means
So what are the main differences between dating and being in a relationship? Well, you’re about to find out.
Dating feels less stable vs. relationships are about security
This is an important one. When you’re dating, there’s a lack of stability because you don’t know what’s going to happen. Maybe they like you; maybe they don’t. Maybe they’ll call you tomorrow, or not. You just don’t know. In contrast, a relationship gives you the feeling of security and stability. You trust your partner and know they’re not going to ghost you out of thin air.
Trust develops while dating vs. trust is already established in relationships
While you like your date, you don’t know them. So, you’re not completely trusting of their intentions or who they are as a person, which is completely normal. You can’t trust everyone you meet right away. Trust takes time to develop. In relationships, you have a strong sense of trust with your partner since you two have spent a lot of time together and have gone through various situations.
You avoid arguing while dating vs. relationships focus on conflict resolution
Who wants to fight with someone they just started seeing? Exactly. When you start dating someone, you avoid conflict in order not to ruffle anyone’s feathers. But in relationships, conflict is going to arise whether you like it or not. The difference is conflict in relationships is seen as an opportunity to resolve an issue rather than pushing it away.
Dating spends some time together vs. relationships you spend a lot of time together
Though you may be head over heels with the person you’re dating, the odds are you’re not spending every waking moment with them. When dating, you see each other one or two times a week – there’s no commitment to see each other. But in relationships, your partner is the person you go to for making plans. If you want to see a movie, you call them. If you want to go to a birthday party, you bring them along. They’re your sidekick and you’re their sidekick.
You’re less open when dating vs. you must communicate in relationships
If there’s one thing about relationship writing, most people don’t give much information about themselves to the other person when it comes to dating. You’re not going to expose your deepest darkest secrets to someone who’s had three dates with – the trust isn’t there yet. But when in a relationship, you’re more open and willing to share personal information about yourself.
You’re shy to let them see the real you while dating vs. you show your flaws in relationships
You want your partner to see the best side of you when you’re dating. This is the stage where you’re showing your positive qualities and looking your best when around them. But when you’re in a relationship, the real you is out in the open. They know what you look like without makeup on, how you are when you’re sick or angry – they’ve seen all the quirks you have and understand all your sides.
You don’t know their inner circle when dating vs. in relationships you’re integrated in each other’s personal lives
When you’re dating someone, you’re not eager to introduce them to your family and friends. You give it some time to get to know them and then decide if you want to take that next step forward. But when you’re in a relationship, your partner is part of your inner circle. They’ve met your family and friends, they’re now integrated into your personal life. When that happens, your partner is essentially telling their inner circle that you’re important to them.
If there’s one thing you learn while reading relationship writing, it’s the difference between dating and relationships. It’s important to know and reflect on your own situation. Where do you fit in?