If you watch movies or tv, read magazines or have even a moderate social life, then you are aware that this present day and age has been defined by the confusing state of our relationships. We've established a "hookup culture" that often leaves people emotionally stilted and unable to form real bonds. We also have a "hangout culture" where people can spend time together in undefined terms until one of them decides to cross the line into either commitment territory or hookup territory. We have such fluid states of relationship that nobody ever knows what's going on. Are we dating? Courting? Hanging out? In a relationship?
There are some people who ask "what's the difference? Aren't those all the same?" And that's the tricky part. Yes, they could all be the same. But sometimes they're not.
Courtship used to be clearly defined and even chaperoned. Now I'm certainly not asking for any chaperones on my outings, but I bet a lot of people would enjoy clearly outlined relationship objectives.
The problem is that there is a period of time where both parties are unsure of exactly what they are and what they want. The not knowing is part of the mystery and the energy between couples. It adds to the flirtations, the intrigue and the daydreamed visions of all the possibilities. So maybe not knowing is actually a good thing...for a short while at least.
Moral Of Today's Story: If you want clear definitions, have a conversation. But if you realize that you're still figuring out how you feel/what you want, then keep on enjoying the thrill of the game. And when someone asks "Are you dating? Courting? Hanging out? In a relationship?" Just answer "yes."
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