So I guess I have never really been single; not for long anyways. I always thought "playing the field" and dating was the same thing. After reading profiles and seeing a few things on these forums I have come to realize I don't know what dating means. Apparently dating and relationship is the same thing? Can someone please set me straight?

I think dating is like playing the field or shopping for the best option. To me relationship means you are going fairly steadily with someone and not just in the bedroom. People see you together at certain events and places openly. Gradually you meet each other's peers and maybe family members. If relatives approve, the two of you are invited to family gatherings as a couple. To me a relationship is more serious and you are recognized and accepted as a couple. It can lead to marriage or common-law but you are accepted and acceptable without any hassles. A relationship is a lot more of a responsibility.

DATING.... Generally socializing or participating in activities with a partner where no commitment has been established yet.

RELATIONSHIP.... Some form of commitment or expectation has already been either discussed or established between the parties for their future.

PLAYING THE FIELD.... This is where someone is on a sweep of what is available, hookups, one night stands, pickups, etc. Not looking for anything serious just a taste of whats going.

Essentially, they are all really slang terms, with drifting meanings. You have to ask each person who says them, at the time they say them, what they actually mean.

I've seen dating mean everything from exclusively seeing only one person, to "playing the field," and having fun with all sorts of people with no intention of settling down, to hiring a prostitute.

"Playing the field" never means seeing one person exclusively. It can mean any different degree of seeing people, from platonic only to sexual conquests and one night stands, to a concerted search for one person to settle down with, through careful experimentation with a variety of people.

Relationship seems to most commonly refer to a one-on-one situation, but there are a lot of people who have "funny" rules for themselves about such things. I've seen more than one person say that they never let a one-night-stand stay over the weekend, because they don't want them to interfere with their "relationship."

Basically, there are so many different ways that someone can define those words, the only wise thing to do, is make no plans dependent on their definition, until the other person specifically tells you what THEY mean by them.

I agree terms are becoming confusing. I agree with Igor that it’s best to just ask what each person means directly.

I have learned not to tell my son that I’m going to hook up with a friend for lunch. After the color came back to his face, I got a lecture on what “hooking up” means these days.

Dating is not a relationship, a commitment to one another, couple, is a relationship.

Imo

Yes! I really have to watch that expression! Lol!

Sounds like just being alone is far less complicated.