Situationships: The Dating Trend Everyone’s Talking About

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Dating today is full of new terms, and one that’s getting a lot of attention is situationship. If you’re not exactly sure what that means, you’re not alone. Situationships are becoming a big deal, especially with Gen Z. The experts at DatingAdvice.com, a top source for relationship advice, have some great insights into what this trend is all about and why people are into it.

Dr. Wendy Walsh, known as America’s Relationship Expert, is one of the site’s trusted voices. She’s been a TV host, written books, and teaches psychology. Basically, she knows her stuff. According to Dr. Walsh, a situationship is:

"A romantic relationship that may involve sex, it may involve dating in public, but it does not involve commitment or a definition. It is greatly agreed-upon by both partners that no one will ask the ‘What are we?’ question."

Sound familiar? Maybe you've been in one.

Why Are Situationships So Popular?

Situationships are catching on, especially with younger people, for a few reasons. Dr. Walsh says one big reason is that people today are waiting longer to settle down. Everyone’s focusing on careers, traveling, or just enjoying life before locking into a serious relationship.

"People are waiting until they settle down. So experimenting with relationships that don’t require a long-term commitment early on makes sense," Dr. Walsh explains.

Technology has also changed things. Back in the day, you only dated people you met in person, maybe through friends or work. Now, dating apps make it easy to meet tons of new people. But with so many choices, it’s hard to settle on just one person. Dr. Walsh says this creates what experts call the “paradox of choice” — when you have too many options, it’s tough to pick, and sometimes you don’t value what you have as much.

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"Today, the new mate is but a thumb swipe away. People are exposed to thousands of potential partners a year," Dr. Walsh says. This makes situationships a way to keep your options open while figuring out what you really want.

The Ups and Downs of Situationships

So, are situationships a good idea? They can be! According to Dr. Walsh, they give people time to test the waters without pressure. It’s a way to explore relationships and see what works for you.

"It allows people time to assess a potential mate. It allows them to gain some sexual experience," Dr. Walsh says.

But there’s a downside too. The risk is that one person might start catching feelings, while the other is still in it just for fun. That can lead to hurt feelings, especially if one partner is hoping for more commitment in the future.

"It’s a very bad strategy if you’re hoping that someone will fall in love with you eventually without asking for commitment," Dr. Walsh warns. "This often happens with women who trade sex for love, and they lose every time.”

How to Handle a Situationship

If you find yourself in a situationship, it’s super important to know what you’re getting into. Dr. Walsh suggests being honest with yourself about what you want. If you’re someone who gets attached easily, a situationship might not be for you.

"Know yourself. If you tend to fall in love through sex, then don’t go there," she advises.

Communication is also key. Check in with your partner regularly to make sure you’re both on the same page. If one of you is developing feelings and the other isn’t, it’s time for an honest conversation — or maybe even an exit.

"Be clear about your feelings and ask about theirs. If your partner is falling in love and you’re not, you owe it to them to break up," says Dr. Walsh.

Situationships are definitely part of today’s dating scene, especially for younger people who are keeping their options open. They offer a lot of flexibility, but they can also come with risks. As with any relationship, being clear about your expectations and honest about your feelings is the best way to make sure nobody gets hurt.