What is a Situationship?

A situationship is a romantic or sexual connection with someone where there is no commitment or clear definition of the relationship. People may spend time together, share intimacy, and even feel a sense of closeness, but do not discuss the future or define the relationship as exclusive or official.

Characteristics

A situationship often exists somewhere between casual dating and a committed relationship. The people involved do not have set expectations or traditional labels. There is often physical closeness and sometimes emotional connection, but no official boyfriend or girlfriend titles.

One key aspect is that both parties avoid clear conversations about the future. Plans tend to be short-term if discussed at all. The undefined status often leads to situations where neither person can clearly explain what the relationship is to others.

Signs of a Situationship

There are several ways to tell if you are in a situationship: - You have a romantic or sexual connection, but cannot describe what you are to each other.

• You do not talk about where the relationship is going.

• There are few or no discussions about boundaries or exclusivity.

• Your time together may feel casual or spontaneous.

• You may have emotional conversations at times, but these are limited or avoided.

• Uncertainty about partner expectations is common.

Prevalence

Situationships are common among young adults. A 2024 YouGov poll found that about fifty percent of Americans aged eighteen to thirty-four reported having been in one.

Differences from Other Relationship Types

A situationship has more emotional involvement than friends with benefits, but less structure or intention than regular dating. In casual dating, people may still expect to move toward commitment, whereas a situationship has no such direction or set intention. A friends-with-benefits connection may focus only on physical contact with established boundaries, while a situationship is less clear and sometimes includes emotional sharing without moving forward to a defined status.

How Online Dating Affects Situationships

Online dating platforms have increased the occurrence of situationships. Many people on these platforms find that they have many options for potential partners. This makes it easier for some to avoid making exclusive choices or having clear conversations about commitment.

Expert Opinions

Jess Carbino, a dating sociologist, points out that situationships lack the expectations or norms that are present in other forms of dating. Saba Harouni Lurie describes these relationships as a phase that can exist before or without the usual talk about making things official. Christie Tcharkhoutian Kederian explains that situationships can bring satisfaction and freedom, even without commitment.

Psychological and Emotional Aspects

Situationships can be both convenient and confusing. Some people feel comfortable with the undefined nature and enjoy the lack of pressure. Others may experience anxiety or frustration because the future of the connection is unclear. Some enjoy the satisfaction of intimacy and time together, while others may feel emotional uncertainty.

People in a situationship may avoid having deep or personal conversations. This makes it harder to resolve confusion or to set boundaries. Lack of clear communication is common.

Situationships on Social Media

People often discuss their situationships on social media. Posts and comments often mention frustration about not knowing what the partner wants. Many describe feeling stuck or unsure about how to ask for more clarity. Others share satisfaction with the arrangement, especially if it matches their needs at the moment.

Research and Studies

Jess Carbino and other relationship researchers have found that situationships are now common, especially as dating expectations change. Studies show that the lack of commitment gives some people a sense of freedom but can cause conflict or stress for others.

Difference from Traditional Dating

Situationships do not have the intention of moving toward commitment. Regular dating often includes some discussion of this intention, even if it is not immediate. Dating tends to include more structure and boundaries, while a situationship is open-ended and undefined.

In Practice

People in a situationship may go on dates, spend nights together, or talk often. Even with these activities, there is no official status and no talk about exclusivity or the future. One or both people may prefer to avoid labels or responsibility for partner expectations.

Situationships can last for weeks, months, or sometimes longer. They tend to remain the same until someone decides to ask for a definition or make a change in expectations. Sometimes, these connections end without a clear reason or transition to different relationship types if both people agree.

Communication

Open discussions and honesty help people in a situationship understand each other and avoid unnecessary confusion. Many people find this difficult because the lack of definition can make direct conversations feel awkward or risky.

If someone feels stressed or upset about the unclear status, it can help to talk to their partner about personal needs and wishes for the future. Some partners may agree to define the relationship, while others may want to keep it informal.