Adolescent Dating

A
TERM PAPER
ON
TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND PREVENTIONS AMONG

ADOLESCENTS
BY
GRACE ALORYE AGBA

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT
SUBMITTED TO:
MRS. EKO INYANG ENEBIENI
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, CALABAR.
DECEMBER, 2023.
INTRODUCTION
Some may assume that dating and being in a relationship are the same. People
can make this assumption when using each concept interchangeably, but they
each have differences that some people may not notice. For example, those who
have never had a boyfriend or girlfriend may not understand that they are
distinct from each other. Sometimes it depends on how a person introduces their
partner to their friends or family. They may refer to them as their girlfriend or
boyfriend or say this is someone they are dating. You may be seeing someone
for a while, but not sure if it is considered a relationship or if you are still in the
dating stage. Clarifying aspects of each will help with understanding the status
between you and your significant other. This article discusses the confusing
aspects of what is a relationship and dating, including how they are distinct
from each other and signs of moving to the next level in your connection to
each
REASONS PEOPLE(ADOLESCENT)THINK DATING IS RELATION
Casual dating and being in a relationship usually occur in stages, but depending
on the individual, they may be quick to assume certain aspects of being with
another person. A person's feelings for another may have them believing they
are in a relationship because they spend a considerable amount of time with
their partner or significant other. Two people may spend time together doing
activities like dinner and a movie, hanging out with friends, or helping each
other do a task. But they have yet to define if they are a couple because they
simply haven’t talked about it yet.
Some people are in a rush to be in a relationship and are unconcerned or unsure
of relationship norms such as how many dates before relationship is established.
They went out on a date or two with a person they like. They enjoyed the time
spent with that person, even if it was brief. A person may be head over heels for
someone they just met and want to continue seeing them, but they do not mean
it’s a relationship. While that someone may say they are seeing them and think it
means they are in a relationship. The other partner feels they are dating and may
assume their partner is defining their time together as the same.
Understanding the differences between being in a relationship and dating
includes talking with your partner to make sure both of you know where you
stand.
DEFINING THE CONCEPT OF DATING

Dating occurs before things become more serious. How long a person dates
someone may vary, but it may occur over a few weeks or months. Dating allows
you to get to know each other. It involves setting a date and time in the future to
meet. You set aside time to spend with this person to learn about them. You may
have a friendship that includes being attracted to each other. Both partners know
they are not committed to each other. Each person may date other people and
have no problems respecting this aspect.
Some may choose to get close to each other through sex or a one-night stand,
but it still doesn't mean you're in a relationship. Dating may involve spending
time with someone, but you don't have a necessary dating goal or an
expectation. Many even subscribe to the 3 date rule, which basically makes you
decide if it's time to sleep together or not. Sometimes dating is getting to know a
person but wanting to see if things may lead to a relationship. Dating doesn't
involve as many emotions as being in a relationship. You may simply feel happy
or generally good all over when hanging out together.
DEFINING BEING IN A RELATIONSHIP
A relationship is the next step after dating. You feel like more than just friends,
and you don't want to date anyone else. You are typically uncomfortable with
the idea of the other person dating someone else. Sometimes people date each
other for a while and wonder what their status is. One may think it is time to
talk about defining your situation to determine if you're an official couple. In a
relationship, things are focused on between you and your partner. You are
considered exclusive because you are not dating other people. There are other
aspects of being in a relationship that comes into play that didn't matter while
dating.
Sometimes a relationship happens without having a conversation defining their

friendship status. You've gotten to know each other enough to want to explore
each other more personally, creating a deeper bond. A mutual agreement may
occur without hesitation from either side, agreeing they are in a relationship.
Both agree you're invested in each other emotionally. Both partners establish a
level of commitment. You have long-term intentions of establishing relations
with each other.
Some may assume exclusive dating is the same as being in a relationship. The
difference here is you are choosing to date someone exclusively by investing
more energy and time with them. People may do this right before defining their
relationship. A relationship involves integrating your lives by associating with
each other's family and friends. You do things together, and it may not be
planned. You will work toward doing things together, such as taking a vacation
or living together. You are probably not concerned about anyone or anything
else at this point, except focusing on keeping the relationship healthy and
moving forward.
DIFFERENCES IN DATING AND BEING IN A RELATIONSHIP

It is common to be confused about what to define a relationship, considering it
is a subjective word that is defined by the person who uses it. Dating and being
in a relationship are similar concepts, but different meanings. People may not
recognize certain aspects that give clues to their actual status. The similarities
are essential aspects of both situations, but depending on the situation, the
importance level is a contributing factor. The following points may help you
understand their differences:
Relationships Are Built on Trust And Mutual Agreement

Relationships Are Built On Trust And Mutual Agreement
Dating doesn't require the same level of trust and understanding. Dating allows
you to assess the qualities and characteristics to learn if they possess the values
you want when building a relationship. A relationship grows based on trusting
each other and mutuality. Meaning, if you set boundaries for the relationship,
both partners should agree to them. You have faith in each other of being
committed and doing what is necessary to establish and maintain the
relationship, especially if you choose to see each other exclusively. Some may
want to date someone exclusively but are not ready for a relationship.
Relationships Depend on Commitment

Dating requires little commitment. You may agree to specific aspects of a date,
such as a date, time, and place, but that's about it. A meaningful relationship
requires commitment from both partners. Relationships with commitment
include looking to the future and exploring where things may take you. There
are aspects of being committed that make a difference in growing a relationship,
including being open, honest, and practicing good communication.
Relationships Require Thorough Communication

Dating requires minimal communication, such as a meeting or making small
talk and getting to know each other. Communication while dating is important
to learn about each other, but it becomes a significant factor in a relationship.
During a relationship, you’ll talk to each other often about many different
aspects of who you are as a person. It will not be as limited as when you were
dating. Your conversations will be a focal point that helps both partners grow a
bond essential toward commitment, trust, and being on the same page
throughout the relationship.
Relationships Have Expectations

Dating expectations are not the same as relationship expectations. In a dating
situation, things are casual since you're not expecting anything from the other
person. You might look forward to another date soon if things were great during
the first date. In a relationship, this aspect is magnified because expectations
help build relations between partners. You may have expectations you expect
your partner to meet, and they will likely also have expectations about you.
Relationships Become A Priority

Dating and relationships are a priority, but one is more significant than the other
because of meaning. Dating is something a person wants to do, but it may not
be a top priority like family, friends, or career.
Relationships require patience, time, and effort. A relationship is a priority

because it changes the dynamics of your life. Your partner may be first before
other priorities. The previous points mentioned play an intricate role in a
relationship and why it is necessary to prioritize making it work.
These differences show why it is crucial to understand what makes dating and
being in a relationship between two separate situations. They each have
elements of excitement that lead to unique experiences. Assessing these
elements may also encourage you to rethink who you choose to engage with if
you want a serious, romantic relationship that you develop socially.
CONCLUSION
Conclusively, as an adolescent, Are you dating someone and want to know what
your next step should be? Maybe you have been seeing someone for a while and
feel things are serious, but you are not sure how to bring up the topic. You can
review what you want to say and how to express your thoughts to prepare for
talking to the person you are dating. But sometimes, this introspection does not
give you the insight you need.
Reaching out to a licensed therapist can help. With the right therapist, you can
develop a plan that helps you build confidence and understand why you may be
confused about where you stand in the relationships you are involved in. If you
are unable to make an appointment with a therapist in-person due to cost,
inaccessibility, or time constraints, consider online therapy. You may even find
it to be more accessible and cost-effective than in-person sessions. Furthermore,
research shows virtual therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy.
Maybe you are hoping to develop some relationship insight from a couples'
counselor about speaking to the person you see about your feelings. Getting
your thoughts out helps assess your situation. Even if things don't work out in
your favor, you may learn useful tips to benefit your future dating or
relationship experiences while learning more about yourself.
Dating may lead to being in a relationship with someone you like and can be an
opportunity to get to know someone while looking forward to spending time
together that's planned. Being in a relationship requires commitment and
investing in each other's lives. If you are still confused about your relationship
or simply want to learn about yourself and ways to deepen your ability to
commit and communication, do not hesitate to talk to a therapist.
REFERENCES
https://hily.com/blog/dating-vs-relationship-what-are-the-main-differences-
between.
https://www.mensxp.com/relationships/relationship-advice/43155-here-are-the-
main-differences-between-dating-and-being-in-a-relationship-in-case-you-re-
confused.html
https://www.lovetopivot.com/dating-with-a-purpose/
Judi James (28 January 2009). "Language of love". The Guardian. Archived
from the original on 2015-12-24. Retrieved 2010-12-08. The copulatory gaze,
looking lengthily at a new possible partner.

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A

TEENAGE PREGNANCY AND PREVENTIONS AMONG

GRACE ALORYE AGBA

COLLEGE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY, CALABAR.

DEFINING THE CONCEPT OF DATING

Sometimes a relationship happens without having a conversation defining their

DIFFERENCES IN DATING AND BEING IN A RELATIONSHIP

Relationships Are Built on Trust And Mutual Agreement

Relationships Depend on Commitment

Relationships Require Thorough Communication

Relationships Have Expectations

Relationships Become A Priority

Relationships require patience, time, and effort. A relationship is a priority

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