Can Casual Dating Turn Into a Relationship?

A man kisses a woman'

A casual relationship could be in different forms— it could be that you're meeting someone just for a one-time fun moment, or you want it to happen frequently with emotional attachment whatsoever. Online dating has made that easy to find nowadays. You could use any app that allows you to find casual hookups, find a partner and have some fun time with them. No one would hold you for that.

However, when sex is introduced to a situation and the position is unclear, there's a high likelihood of emotions becoming involved and both partners getting attached. Therefore, it is common for those who are open about having casual relationships to fall in love with their hookups eventually.

This article answers whether casual dating can turn into serious relationships and how to handle such situations possibly.

What is Casual Dating?

Casual dating and all its other forms or names like fling, casual sex, friends with benefits, hookups are a thing of modern culture. It is a relationship where neither partners want to commit anything more than physical to each other. It has become a contemporary culture as people often find it peaceful compared to investing emotions into a relationship.

A guy plays guitar for a girl on a rooftop date.

How to Go from Casual Dating to Relationship?

There are times you are in a casual relationship, and you find yourself drifting towards your partner emotionally. It's nothing serious; here are some valuable nuggets that can help you handle the situation better.

1. Clear intention

First, the intention should be clear. If you are in a purely sexual relationship with someone, the agreement should be well tied on both ends. Both of you should understand the conditions binding, and you should ensure you always convey your emotions to each other as things develop.

Situations like this could escalate into one of you being led on if not handled properly. Gestures may be misinterpreted as a sign of emotional attachment. You may have to clarify things with them— whether you want to take things to the next level or maintain your stand in the casual relationship. Don't let yourself get led on, and don't inadvertently lead them on!

2. Be sure in feelings

Take as much time as you need to be sure of your feelings. Before you develop a connection, it's critical to understand yourself and what you desire. You don't want to harm anyone's feelings, after all. Always be honest and transparent with each other: sincerity does not imply seriousness! It's simply a matter of deference.

A couple takes selfies on a casual date.

3. Respect decision

Even if the outcome isn't what you wanted, respect the other person's decision. Accept it if they decide they want something informal. If they're in a different stage in life, that's OK, and you should respect that.

Consider what you want from a relationship with this individual and how you want it to develop. Examine how well you and your partner can work together to solve obstacles. It's crucial to a relationship's success, and doing so can help you determine your future if it's meant to be.

Even casual relationships may be tough, and if both people want it to blossom into something more, they must put in a bit more work. Having stated that, how does a casual hookup even become something serious?

When Casual Dating Becoming Serious?

Couple holding hands.

It may have been planned that the relationship should only begin and end in bedrooms, but then you begin to notice that you set other dates besides the bedroom. It's something that could happen to anyone, be it at an instance or over some time.

It could arise from spending a lot of time with them and sharing memorable times. However, it would be best if you were welcoming to the idea of casual dating becoming serious.

Conclusion

Casual dating turning into a serious relationship is a real thing. It is quite common with the dating pool and quite a lot of relationships often start casually or in a situation where it’s not really clear what both partners are. Turning into a serious relationship is often an effect of what both of them want out of their being together.

FAQ

How do I get into a casual relationship?

A casual relationship is built on mutual understanding. Both partners understand what they want and respect the boundaries. You should only need to have good communication to begin a causal relationship with anyone.

How to tell your casual partner you want something serious?

First, you need to understand that anything can come out of this request, and your casual partner is likely to reject that proposal. It helps you handle the situation better in case things go south. All you have to do is find the right mood—most preferably, a playful one— to kickstart the conversation.

How can you know if your casual partner wants a serious relationship?

When someone wants more with you, you'll know. At times, we, however, misjudge and misread their gestures. But once your casual partner wants more, they begin to treat you with more respect other than the bedroom hookups. However, always ensure that things are clear when you begin to notice awkward gestures from your casual partner.

Can a casual relationship turn into a relationship?

It's possible, but it depends on a few things. First, you must ensure that you and your casual partner are on the same page. If you're both looking for something serious, then it's much more likely that your relationship will turn into something long-term.

When should you stop casual dating?

There's no set answer, but generally speaking, if you're interested in taking things to the next level, it's best to have that conversation sooner rather than later. That way, you can gauge each other's feelings and see if there's a mutual interest in pursuing a more serious relationship.

What does casual dating mean to a guy?

It can mean different things to different guys, but generally speaking, casual dating is a way to enjoy spending time with someone without the commitment of a serious relationship. It's a way to get to know someone and have fun without pressure.

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