Dating Vs Relationship

Dating and relationship are two of the most popular terms used these days by almost everyone. Their over-usage has made them practically synonymous with each other. The only similarity between them is that they both involve two people in a romantic alliance. That’s where it pretty much stops. Everything else is different about them, but still, most people misuse them all the time. The main reason being their differences are very subtle, and the difference lies in the details.

Following are some of the main points of differences and distinctions between dating and relationship:

Dating can be between two people with a total lack of any emotional bonding; whereas, a relationship is all about developing emotional attachment and bonding.

Dating starts with the intention of forming a relationship; whereas, a relationship begins with the purpose of finally getting engaged and married to each other.

Dating involves no need for commitment or exclusivity; whereas, a relationship is all about commitment and exclusivity.

Dating involves less amount of time spent together; whereas, a relationship involves spending a lot of time together.

Dating may or may not involve mutual feelings; whereas, a relationship means mutual love and affection for one another.

Dating comes with minimal expectations; whereas, a relationship comes with all sorts of expectations from each other.

Dating has no responsibility towards each other; whereas, a relationship is full of responsibilities and duties towards each other.

Dating does not have to be exclusive as both parties are allowed to see other people as well; whereas, a relationship is more monogamous between just two people.

Dating is more informal as it can be for fun or enjoying romantic time; whereas, a relationship is more formal as it is a serious affair with long-term consequences.

Dating suggests that two people see each other without being limited to seeing others; whereas, a relationship is strictly between two people.

Dating does not need to involve close friends and family members; whereas, a relationship includes a lot of interaction with each other’s close friends and family members.

Dating or casual dating has the benefit of having sex with several people without being blamed for infidelity; whereas, a relationship allows sex only between two people and any sexual activities outside of that would be categorized as infidelity or cheating.

Dating is more focused on the idea of getting to know other people without really being tied to any one of them; whereas, a relationship is more focused on building a life and a family together.

Dating can also be called casual dating; whereas, a relationship can also be called exclusive dating, courtship, or a committed or serious relationship.

In short, the main difference between dating and a relationship lies in the intentions as well as the level of commitment. Dating is just a precursor to getting to know each other for a potential relationship. Once a mutual liking has been established, then the same alliance can be taken into something more serious such as exclusive dating or a serious relationship. Many people though use dating as just a means of enjoyment and entertainment. Neither dating nor a relationship is good or bad, and it just depends on what you are looking for and what best serves your needs.

Main Points Of Differences And Distinctions Between Dating And Relationship