Bindya Talluri Movies and romantic novels like The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, the Fault in Our Stars, LalaLand, and others have set standards for romantic partners. Based on these imaginary characters, individuals dream about the perfect date. However, reality differs, and when encountered with it, dreams get shattered. Dating or the ideal date is different from the movies.
Over time, the meaning of dating has evolved. It is no longer like meeting the right partner and falling for them. These days, when you go on a date, you may find someone who is into a one-night stand. On the other hand, there will be a few who want to 1st understand you first, while there will be some who just want somebody around.
With these changes in the dynamics, the meaning of dating is also evolving. No longer is it limited to knowing someone and building a connection. There are different forms of dating.
Regardless of the purpose you want to date, you should understand the various dating arrangements, how they work, and which kind of dating suits you the best.
12 Common Types of Dating
Casual, online, long-distance, and friends-with-benefits are common dating types. But things don’t end here. There are several other types of dating relationships that we will discuss below:
1. Casual dating
Casual dating is a type of dating where the focus is on having fun and enjoying each other’s company. It typically takes a relaxed approach; no serious commitments or expectations exist for a long-term relationship. To make casual dating work, partners must be on the same page and understand what they expect. If the date is casual or you want to take it further, there should be informed consent.
If the person you are dating tells you they are interested in casual dating without being committed or having a relationship, check if you are okay with it and make them aware of your preference. It is the right fit for you if you are available and interested. However, if that is not the case, then there are other forms of dating that you should explore.
2. Long-form dating
In this type of dating, the focus is on building a strong relationship. It involves a deeper emotional connection, and there is an intention or expectation of getting married and living together for a lifetime. Partners want a successful long-term relationship, so they are ready to give each other time to understand and ensure they are compatible. If you’re interested in long-term dating, check the values of the partner, interests, and relationship. If it aligns with your goals and values, you can go along with it.
3. Online dating
Unlike the traditional times, when friends used to set friends up for a date, today, Gen Z doesn’t wait. These are social media days. The day starts and ends with being on social media platforms. You will find young people connected through the internet and share their everyday activities. They order food online, look for a house, and even look for compatible matches on dating apps like Tinder.
People are okay with meeting strangers through social media channels like Instagram and want to see how it works. If you are okay with this setup and don’t find it discomforting, you can attract people’s attention through these online platforms. This can be the dating you are looking for. However, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind.
You and your data are vulnerable when you share your personal information over the internet. Threat actors can defraud you, and you can become a victim of catfishing, where people appear like a different person on social media. So, when moving ahead with online dating, be Cautious.
4. Speed dating
The traditional form of dating has never lost its charm, but how it works has always been debated. This type of dating is organized by matchmaking organizations or dating service providers for selected clients at definite venues. Then, the individuals who attend this meeting are paired with a different partner to interact with a time limit to know one another better.
After each interaction—the individuals who participate rate one another and state whether they want to meet again or not. The organizer later informs the participants about what the other person thinks. This type of dating relationship is too clinical, and there are chances of missing out on romance and the fun of a date. Also, speed dating prevents the person from knowing the person thoroughly.
5. Friends with benefits
The credit for making this term popular goes to the movie Friends with Benefits, released in 2010, but how do such friendships work? Well, it explains itself. It is a relationship that is non-committed and may last for a short period with little romance and a lot of sex.
Friends with benefit dynamics means to get physical satisfaction without a long-term commitment. And both individuals do not get emotionally involved at the same time. Their relationship may develop emotions for each other, and if they can decide the future. This type of relationship can be enjoyable. If you’re looking for a type of dating technique whose main goal is a physical connection with a friend you like and are attracted to, this is the dating type for you.
To understand the psychology of this relationship type, discuss your intentions with your friend and know your boundaries, intentions, and expectations. If you fail to do so, you may lose your friend and friendship and may get hurt.
6. Blind dating
It is the type of dating where a mutual friend sets up their friends who don’t know each other to meet without prior knowledge of one another. Both people are excited and, at the same time, nervous to meet a stranger they have very little information about.
This type of romantic relationship psychology allows individuals to step out of their comfort zone and find a connection with people they may not have met. The advantage of blind dating is that the person meets someone they may never have considered meeting. It is exciting, takes the pressure of online communication, and allows face-to-face interaction.
However, if there is a lack of chemistry between two people, this dating doesn’t stand a chance. The setup can be awkward, and finding common ground with a stranger can be difficult. There is a chance that both the participants will feel uncomfortable and have nothing to talk about.
7. SituationShip
It is a form of casual relationship that, at an early age, does not have a definition. Both people sometimes don’t know where they stand. They talk about the future, but the relationship is not exclusive. Situationship dating can be difficult because there is no surety about the relationship, where it is headed, or the future.
If you are in this situation, check in occasionally with the person. What exactly do they feel and share your feelings? See what is working for you and what isn’t and what you would like from the relationship as you communicate. Get to know one another, and clarify what you do or don’t want.
8. Exclusive dating
Dating someone exclusively means both partners have mutually decided not to continue dating or sleeping with others while they are with one another. The relationship can become long-term if they have shared values, interests, and compatibility.
They can discuss together and agree to exclusivity at this stage, focusing on one another and exploring the deep emotional connection, compatibility, and the possibilities for the present in the future. If you want such a relationship, this type of dating is for you. To keep it going, be faithful to each other. Another essential element of this relationship is the avoidance of sexual and emotional engagements with other people, as this is the arrangement you have decided to.
9. Serious dating
As the name explains, dating with an agenda to get settled and married. In this type of dating technique, finding a suitable match with similar interests is urgent. There is a commitment. Both people feel an emotional connection with one another.
There is accountability for actions in the relationship, and plans, such as life, goals, or kids, are also discussed in this dating type. In serious dating, both partners agree not to see others, and they talk about the present and future. It is an exclusive dating where they try to understand what makes them compatible and how they want to advance.
10. Group dating
It is a form of dating in which people get together to do fun activities and find a romantic partner. In group dating, you can meet new people and relax. It is a low-pressure setting and helps you overcome the awkwardness you feel when meeting a stranger for the first time in group dating. You can select the person you feel most comfortable with or sign up for an organized group dating.
Group dating can be a starter for those who fear meeting strangers or are unsure about the type of dating technique they will like. You can understand what qualities you want in a partner and how you want to move.
11. Long-Distance Dating
Unlike the other types of dating techniques in this type, both individuals rarely meet one another face to face. It is a long-distance relationship, and they live in different locations. It can be challenging, but it is workable when both give one another the time and opportunity to express their feelings and desires.
Through this dating, if you are emotionally connected, you can slowly build a strong connection without seeing each other. However, there can be miscommunication due to busy schedules, and you may need more time for each other. For this relationship to work, you must show trust, communicate, and be open. Patience is the key to making this dating technique work.
12. Same-Sex Dating
This type of romantic relationship psychology has evolved as people are now exploring their sexual identities and are open. In this, individuals of the same gender get along for a sexual and romantic relationship.
Finding the person or people you’d like to spend the rest of your life with is challenging. It may take a short or longer time to find what you are looking for.
Regardless of the type of dating you are interested in, remember there is no right or wrong form of dating. What and with whom you feel connected is what matters the most. It is your life, and you have the right to make the choice. Never move ahead in life or form a relationship based on external factors or what others will say. Everyone is unique, and so are you. It is not necessary that if your friend likes serious dating, you should also like the same.
Understand the different forms of dating before you step into this world. Take your time, understand what you want, recognize your feelings, and then move ahead. If you do not feel comfortable with the person you are dating, move out. Be honest with yourself and decide the type of dating you want to pursue. Your comfort and safety should matter more than anything else.
Show some compassion towards yourself. Do not be judgmental. If you want to try dating before deciding which type suits you, do it. Do not think about what others will think of you. There is nothing wrong with exploring and expressing your feelings and thoughts. Be open and show self-love to understand others and yourself.
Let people say and do what they want to. You do what you feel is right. Dating is the first step towards building a relationship and exploring your romantic side.
