I would like someone to clear up my confusion with terms used on internet dating sites.
My first question is... to me dating and marriage is a relationship, so if someone answers that they just want a relationship what does that mean?
Also if someone writes they want to hang out what does that mean? Is it dating? Or a friendship I am so confuse. If someone can explain the meaning of these words on the internet it sure would be helpful. Thks

Im cönfused myself.
Ive been tryin to know their differences

typically...

dating = casual dating...nothing serious

relationship = more serious...exclusive

marriage = looking for to get married

activity partner = someone to golf with or things like that

intimate encounter = sex

friends = nothing romantic..just friends

"Hang Out" - The concept of being with someone else and constructing the basis for a "friendship". This is a common, or at least nowadays, way to build towards a relationship.

"Dating" - Idea of seeing people, finding out about another, and ultimately, not speaking in terms of "commitment". One date doesn't constitute a relationship for some, while others, five dates don't. You may go on a date with this guy today, but he has plans to date someone else the following day. Dating, in general, is commitment free.

"Relationship" - Is when you take the step up from just merely dating and enter the first level of "commitment", i.e. boyfriend, girlfriend. This is when other dates and interactions with the opposite sex are no longer "permitted". If you find interest, a deep liking, of that other person in the first "date" this may happen faster then it does for others. In my Dating example I stated going on a second date the next day, if that date is canceled and he makes more with you; it's now more leaned towards being a "relationship" over just dating.

"Marriage" - Is the highest level of commitment and the final step in the "dating/relationship" thread. You are now stating that "you are the ONLY person I ever want to be with for the rest of my life". It is sanctioned by law, sealed in ink, and proclaimed before God himself.

..that help?

best to ask that person using the term , because different people use them differently


hanging out could be dating or just spending time doing things you mutually enjoy together with no real interest in romance

I consider dating to be hanging out with an open possibility to romance

people will often say 'this isnt a date', to take away the pressure of trying to build a romance or being expected to be romantic

Thanks to everyone that answered it gives me a idea what someone maybe thinking when they put what they are looking for. I think asking what they mean is the way to go, and hope they answer.

Well, with dating, invariably, someone comes back at you with a you-don't-know-me, or you-don't-own-me statement. Hanging out means you may have to give up your couch and they may ask you to fix them coffee in the morning. Depends how lively your town is. Anyone who has been married can attest that marriage has nothing to do with being in a relationship. Years into it, they come at you with a you-don't-know-me, or you-don't-own-my-country-*** statement. With online associations, just keep your wallet and social security number hidden from new friends. Also, the Beatles record collection.

If one moves in the opposite direction of their goal with any momentum that resembles competency, their goal happens upon them faster. Faster, being a measure of time, not distance in a non-Euclidean atmosphere.

Generalizing everyone's marriages in comparison to your own and what happened to it, is not truthful... Even though half the marriages now end in divorce, they were at one time a relationship. Same goes for when you are dating exclusively. That is why when they end, it is often with "bad blood" and harsh words and hurt feelings. If they weren't something more, there wouldn't be any need for dating sites, singles bars, etc.... you could just hook up with anyone from the street and walk away after you are done.

Hangout with: Friendship
Dating: Suicidal
Marriage: Suicidal and Manic Depressive

Hanging Out..Booty Calls

Dating.... friends

Relationship.....friends with benefits

Marriage...friends or enemies with or without benefits or booty calls under a government contract

LWTMB

Hanging out - friends
Dating - going out on dates, getting to know each other, not exclusive
Relationship - exclusive, committed
Marriage - married

Exactly.

Yep. Get it from the horses mouth so to speak as interpretations vary. If in doubt always ask...they may lie i.e say one thing when they mean another but at least you would have asked.

Yep. Get it from the horses mouth so to speak as interpretations vary. If in doubt always ask...they may lie i.e say one thing when they mean another but at least you would have asked.

The difference is all have escape routes which vary from easy to difficult.