What is a situationship? It’s a word that has been increasingly used on social media and maybe even your own friend group. It describes a romantic relationship between two people with no clear labels; translation: two people who are afraid to commit, not committing together. 

The word gained popularity on Tiktok around early 2024, however the word has been around since 2017. With the increase in use, many people online have been posting about their experiences in a situationship or general advice if you find yourself in one. 

Situationships are usually the step in between a talking stage and getting in an actual relationship. While it’s never used as an actual label, many would describe being in a situationship as just being confused. 

One Mills student recounts her experience being in a situationship, “It was like a period of time where we never knew what we were to each other, and didn’t try figuring it out.” Oftentimes a situationship will develop when two people simply aren’t establishing what they mean to the other person. This usually happens because nowadays, many people don’t want the stress and expectations of an official relationship, but still want to enjoy the company of the other person. 

“I wanted to experience the fun aspects of dating someone without risking getting attached. Once you put a label on it, it’s difficult to leave.”

This is a sentiment shared by many young people these days. Unlike in the past, there isn’t much pressure to quickly find the right person for you to spend the rest of your life with. Since many are no longer dating to marry, especially if they are young, there is more time to experiment and figure out what you want in a relationship. Because of this, people don’t want to commit to another person as fast. 

There are many different opinions when it comes to situationships. Generally, you either don’t mind being in them or you don’t like them. Some people take the stance that they are just another way for people to gain dating experience while others believe that they are a waste of time. 

“At first I didn’t think they [situationships] were a real thing; but after having been in one, I wouldn’t want to do it again. I just put off leaving because I wanted either closure or confirmation.”