When you're dating someone you're not necessarily serious about them so you prioritise other things along with them like work, friends, activities etc. When you're in a relationship, your dynamic with other people might change entirely because the person you're with takes prime importance in your life.
If someone is in a relationship, they introduce their significant other as their boyfriend or girlfriend while others who are not, introduce their partners as 'someone they're dating'. There is a stark difference between dating and being in a relationship. While both are directionally similar, they have subtle signs that make for two very different aspects of being with someone.
Here are some very prominent differences between being in a relationship and dating someone, just in case you're confused.
Mutuality
One of the major difference between dating and relationship is having your own idea about what the two are. While relationships are based on mutual agreement and trust, dating isn't the same. For some, casual dating is not mutual. The idea of exclusivity while with someone may differ. Some people like to exclusively date each other while others like to date other people and don't want to be committed to just one person.
Commitment
This one's a given. Commitment is the key in a relationship, that's why it's a relationship. People commit to stay together and look forward to a future together while dating (mostly) lacks commitment of any sort. The only commitment people may have while they're dating is to get an ice cream together, after dinner!
Communication
Communication differs largely in a relationship vs while dating. While you're in a relationship you'll be communicating with your partner often, about every little thing. Be it telling them about the small little details from your past or asking them to snore a little less while they're sleeping! Dating is different. Communication is limited and basic and not too intrinsic. Like deciding where to eat next or a casual banter is something couples who're dating usually indulge in.
Expectations
Of course expectations vary when you're dating someone or when you're in a relationship. You expect lesser from the person if you're dating them. It's normal for one person to be more into the dynamic than the other person but because you both know it's casual, there are no expectations of the future etc. with them. A relationship, however, is built on expectations. You expect every little thing from your partner. From patience to even a bright shining future, it's all on autopilot.
Priorities
While both dating and relationships are meaningful, one prioritises lesser than the other. When you're dating someone you're not necessarily serious about them so you prioritise other things along with them like work, friends, activities etc. When you're in a relationship, your dynamic with other people might change entirely because the person you're with takes prime importance in your life. They come before family, friends and even work.
Although these are the five most prominent differences between dating and relationships, there are other tiny little things that make them unique in their own way. All said and done, both are exciting to experience and sometimes the person you're dating can become the partner in your relationship too!
How do you know if you're casually dating?
In the most basic sense, casual dating is when you enjoy spending time with someone and are looking to get to know him or her better, but you...
One trick to getting the girl to miss you is to make sure you're on her mind as she's getting ready for bed. You can send her a sweet text or plan your phone calls so you talk to her later in the evening, so she thinks of you as she goes to bed and maybe even dreams about you. ... Be attentive. ... Make her laugh. ... Let her talk.
This article was co-authored by Laura Bilotta . Laura Bilotta is a Dating Coach, Matchmaker and the Founder of Single in the City, her dating and relationship coaching service based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With over 18 years of date coaching experience, Laura specializes in dating etiquette, relationships, and human behavior. She is the host of the Dating and Relationship Radio Talk Show on AM640 and on Apple Podcasts. She is also the author of "Single in the City: From Hookups & Heartbreaks To Love & Lifemates, Tales & Tips To Attract Your Perfect Match." This article has been viewed 1,044,963 times.
Article Summary
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To make the girl you like miss you, limit the amount of time you spend together to 1 or 2 times a week so she looks forward to seeing you and doesn’t take you for granted. During the time you spend together, treat her well by asking questions about her life and making her laugh to show you care about her and enjoy spending time together. When you’re not with your girl, continue to pursue your own interests, like soccer or learning a language. Additionally, make time to see your friends so you have a healthy balance between hanging out with your girl and your buddies. If she sends you a text message, wait an hour or 2 before responding to show that you have other things to do. However, if you’re spending a longer period of time apart, such as a few days or a weekend, remember to send her a message or give her a quick call to see how she’s doing, since this will remind her of how much she misses you. For tips on how to tell a girl how you feel about her, keep reading!
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