So, you meet a guy or girl who you really like; whether it’s from a class, a party, or Tinder—it doesn’t matter. Bottom line, you definitely want more than a friendship with them, and it seems like they do, too… But you can’t just come out and say that. Dating isn’t as simple as when our parents were teenagers, that’s for sure. It’s confusing and hard to navigate and has way too many rules. Maybe this timeline will help clear things up a bit: the 5 stages of modern dating.
Talking
This is the stage when it’s established that you both have some level of attraction towards each other. You have exchanged numbers and Snapchats and are starting to get to know each other, but you might be talking to other people, too. When people ask who you’re texting you can’t help but smile as you say their name. You don’t make plans to meet up quite yet, as you’re more-so just feeling each other out.
Uncertainty
At this stage you’ve hung out a couple times, and you find yourself spending all of your time looking for signals of how the other person feels about you. You try and drop your own hints that you want something more as well, but you’re not sure they’re picking up what you’re putting down. You’re still afraid of saying the wrong thing or being too weird, and this gets real exhausting real quick.
“A Thing”
This is basically an undefined relationship, as you officially have a title now. Well, not officially, but you can tell people that “we’re a thing.” The relationship is in some way physical at this point, and depending on the circumstances, you might be exclusive with someone, but that’s not usually implied. You’re just starting to get comfortable enough with one another that you tell each other personal things about yourself that the average acquaintance wouldn’t know.
DTR
Now it’s time to Define the Relationship. Also known as having “The Talk.” Maybe the semi-casual hooking up thing isn’t for you, or you’re tired of wondering if there’s anyone else besides you. Whatever the reason, your relationship is about to take a turn. If you both are on the same page, then this conversation will be pretty painless. The problem, however, comes when someone wants more out of the relationship than the other, and they have to make a compromise or decide to end things.
Relationship
Finally! You officially go out. You’re exclusive. You’re boyfriend and girlfriend. (Or boyfriend and boyfriend/girlfriend and girlfriend.) Now you can post all the cute couple pics you want and make your single friends incredibly jealous. But really, you guys decided that this is something you want to pursue long term and you’re willing to put in the effort to look past each other’s flaws and try and make it work.