Dating is a very fancy word and so its concept. People date each other to see the suitability before getting into the serious relationship or marriage.
Nowadays, the dating has been very common word among couples, but Ever thought what’s the difference between dating and a relationship? When someone is in a committed relationship, they introduce their partner as boyfriend (BF) or Girlfriend (GF), However, those who are not in a relationship but dating each other call themselves their date.
There are many people who live in a casual relation but call it a real relationship. The differences vanish for them, but things are not like that.
There are some definite differences between dating and being in a relationship. In order to know, whether are you just dating or in a relationship? Consider looking at the given differences.
Differences Between Dating And Being In A Relationship
Sometimes it becomes a real challenge to identify the actual differences between casual dating and committed relationships. The below given table represents a few of the most interesting and informative lists of differences between dating vs relationship.
Dating Vs Relationship
| Dating | Relationship |
|---|---|
| No exclusivity | Exclusivity |
| Show Off | No need to show off |
| Lesser Expectations | Higher Expectations |
| Various things to hide | Nothing to Hide |
1. Sharing of Sentiments
In a relationship, partners most often share their opinions and they agree on most of the things. In other words, we can say that relationships are based on mutual understanding and trust.
However, dating is not the same. For some, casual dating is not about sharing the same sentiments.
2. Exclusivity
A relationship is exclusive and while being in a committed relationship you don’t need to look for someone else or even think about anyone else other than your partner.
But while doing a casual date, you both keep each other open for finding someone else. In this case, you both do not maintain an exclusivity, rather you keep an option for dating someone else.
While dating, you enjoy spending time with each other very much but you do not feel ready for commitment.
However, in a relationship you enjoy giving time to each other and you are fully committed to the relationship too, this is the major difference between dating and relationship.
3. Prioritizing
A person has various things to do in their life and their world doesn’t revolve around one person. However, those who are in a committed relationship prioritize their life for one person and their life starts revolving around them.
While dating, you will spend time and go on a date or party when you have free time. However, in a relationship, you save time for your partner.
After coming into a relationship you both try to cancel various plans so that you both can have some conversation & can spend time as much as possible.
At this moment, you prioritize your relationship and partner more than anyone or anything else.
4. Acceptance
Acceptance is one of the most important stages of a relationship. While dating you don’t need to accept all the differences between both of you.
However, the beauty of a relationship is that you accept each other’s differences, behaviors, good and bad habits.
But while dating you become very conscious of everything you do: behaviors, habits, and even while choosing the outfits.
5. No show off
There is no space to show off in a relationship no matter how bad your hair is or how uncomfortable dressing you have done. You will feel comfortable being ugly (ugly in the sense of unattractive).
But while going to meet your date you will try to show off, such as choosing the most attractive outfit for yourself, choosing the perfect cologne, and keeping a perfect & to the point hair to impress your date.
However, in a committed relation you will love to be raw or real as you are.
You don’t try to dress to kill, instead you show your real side because you’re confident for your partner that no matter how you look that person will be hanging around you.
6. Emotional Support
What exactly is the difference between dating and a relationship? It is the emotional support, in a relationship you take care of your partner and stay always available for each other to listen, validate, and to provide physical affection anytime they want.
However, on a casual date there is no emotional connection, while dating you just spend time having fun and enjoy your life.
But after committing you take care of your partner in their worst time and become available to provide emotional support.
7. Expectations
Whether you are doing a casual date or in a committed relationship you will have expectations. Although, it will vary for dating and relationships.
Being in a committed partnership you will have higher expectations than a casual date. Your partner will expect all little things from you.
In case you don’t stand upon your partner’s expectations then they can feel upset but when it comes to date, there is no such pressure on you.
It is because, while dating someone you both know that you are not committed and it is casual, so you expect less from each other.
8. Nothing Hidden
There is nothing to hide in a correlation, both the partners are very open up to all the things and they share everything.
However, with the date, people keep many things secret, they don’t open up easily. But moving from Casual Dating to a Relationship things changes drastically.
Hopefully, the given differences between dating and being in a relationship has cleared your confusion.
Sometimes when you both spend time together, differentiating between date and relationship can be a challenge. However, both of these are different and their experiences are unique too.
In case if you see any signs of moving from Casual Dating to a Relationship, then you can consider looking at the difference between dating and relationship.
