{"id":44332,"date":"2026-08-14T12:42:33","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:42:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=44332"},"modified":"2026-08-14T12:42:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:42:33","slug":"talking-vs-dating-whats-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=44332","title":{"rendered":"Talking VS. Dating: What&#8217;s The Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"slideshow-1172041\" data-current-page-index=\"0\">\n<div class=\"ajax-slide active\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172044 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924307889799.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: RgStudio \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>UPDATE \u2014  Tuesday, August 13, 2026, 3:20 p.m. EST:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What does it really mean to be dating someone versus simply talking to them? While both stages involve getting to know another person and figuring out whether there\u2019s potential for a relationship, the two aren\u2019t necessarily interchangeable. In fact, there can be some important differences when it comes to expectations, commitment and where things may ultimately be headed.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"h-talking-vs-dating-what-s-the-difference\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talking Vs. Dating: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dating typically comes with the understanding that there is some romantic intention behind the connection. Whether it\u2019s been openly discussed or simply understood by both people, there\u2019s often an expectation that the relationship could eventually develop into something more serious. That doesn\u2019t mean every dating relationship will lead to a long-term partnership, relationships end for countless reasons, but there is generally a sense that both people are exploring that possibility.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u201ctalking stage,\u201d on the other hand, tends to be more casual and undefined. It\u2019s often the period when two people are getting to know each other, building trust and determining whether they have enough chemistry and compatibility to take things to the next level. There may be romantic interest, but there isn\u2019t always a clear commitment or expectation of exclusivity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That gray area can make it difficult to know exactly where you stand. Are you dating, or are you simply talking? And when does one stage naturally turn into the other? While every relationship develops differently, understanding the subtle differences can help make sense of what you\u2019re experiencing\u2014and perhaps even help you figure out what comes next. Here are some of the biggest distinctions between dating and the talking stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172053 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172053\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: mihailomilovanovic \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-it-s-rare-to-have-exclusivity-when-talking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">It\u2019s rare to have exclusivity when talking.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you\u2019re in the talking stage exclusivity is rarely on the table while it\u2019s definitely a possibility when you\u2019re dating. A lack of exclusivity can be good or bad depending on how long you\u2019ve been dealing with the person and your desired outcomes from the relationship. Some people are completely content with this arrangement. Others, not so much.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172064 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"814\" height=\"429\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172064\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 814w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=153%2C81&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=378%2C199&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=768%2C405&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=660%2C348&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=180%2C95&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=190%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 190w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=379%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 379w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=95%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 95w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=720%2C379&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=450%2C237&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=600%2C316&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=250%2C132&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=279%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 279w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=245%2C129&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=163%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 163w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=144%2C76&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924323631539.jpg?resize=50%2C26&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: katleho Seisa \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-talking-can-be-limited-to-sex-and-texting-exchanges\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Talking can be limited to sex and texting exchanges.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The funny thing about the talking stage is that in some cases, there\u2019s a lot more happening than talking. Many people end up becoming intimate during this period without ever making much progress in any other area. This usually leads the pair straight to situationship or friends with benefits territory.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172058 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172058\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924319476636.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Moyo Studio \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-there-s-no-real-accountability-during-the-talking-stage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">There\u2019s no real accountability during the talking stage.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, not everyone is committed to being a decent human. This is especially apparent when it comes to love and relationships. In the talking stage, there is no commitment and oftentimes, no accountability. This often leaves the door open for trash behavior, disrespect, and f-ckboy shenanigans.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, the talking stage allows for both parties to discern whether or not they\u2019d like to become exclusive in the future. But because of the lack of commitment individuals may <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/us\/blog\/social-instincts\/202505\/the-talking-stage-of-relationships-explained\">\u201chave multiple talking stages with different people at once,\u201d<\/a> noted experts over at<em> Psychology Today.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172059 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172059\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320105676.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: miodrag ignjatovic \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-you-likely-won-t-meet-each-other-s-relatives-or-friends-when-talking\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">You likely won\u2019t meet each other\u2019s relatives or friends when talking.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unless you already share mutual friends or met through a relative, the talking stage doesn\u2019t usually lend itself to meet-the-parents scenarios. Since it\u2019s considered pre-dating, you\u2019re still feeling one another out and as a result, there\u2019s no need to involve outside parties and complicate things further.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172065 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"498\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 700w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=153%2C109&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=378%2C269&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=633%2C450&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 633w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=180%2C128&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=141%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 141w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=281%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 281w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=70%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 70w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=675%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 675w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=450%2C320&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=600%2C427&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=250%2C178&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=207%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 207w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=245%2C174&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=121%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 121w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=144%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924325714341.jpg?resize=50%2C36&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: PeopleImages \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-when-in-the-talking-stage-it-s-easier-to-be-ghosted\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When in the talking stage, it\u2019s easier to be ghosted.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As previously stated, there\u2019s not much accountability when it comes to pre-dating. As a result, there usually aren\u2019t awkward break-up conversations because there\u2019s no relationship to actually end. For this reason, ghosting and fade-to-black scenarios are a lot more common when in the talking stage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172057 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924316299018.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Lorado \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-when-you-re-talking-you-re-really-just-friends\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When you\u2019re talking, you\u2019re really just friends.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though there can be a lot of emotion involved during the talking stage, the truth of the matter is that you\u2019re really just friends who have some level of romantic interest in one another. For this reason, things can get especially complicated whenever sex is added to the equation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172060 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172060\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 724w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=378%2C252&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=180%2C120&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=150%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 150w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 300w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=720%2C480&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=450%2C300&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=600%2C400&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=250%2C167&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=220%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 220w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=129%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 129w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924320215761.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Morsa Images \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-it-s-possible-to-get-trapped-on-both-stages\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">It\u2019s possible to get trapped on both stages.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing that sucks about the talking stage is that it\u2019s possible to get stuck, never progressing to actual dating. The dating stage is not much different. It\u2019s also possible to get trapped there as well. In love, there are never any guarantees.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"ajax-slide\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-image wp-image-1172054 size-full\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"725\" height=\"481\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"talking vs dating\" class=\"wp-image-1172054\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 725w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=153%2C102&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=378%2C251&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=660%2C438&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=151%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 151w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=301%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 301w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=75%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 75w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=720%2C478&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=450%2C299&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=600%2C398&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=250%2C166&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=222%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 222w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=245%2C163&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=130%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 130w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=144%2C96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311545546.jpg?resize=50%2C33&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: PeopleImages \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 id=\"h-social-media-can-complicate-both\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Social media can complicate both.<\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When added to the equation, social media can complicate any relationship. For one, people tend to have very different preferences in regard to how much they wish to share on social platforms and they\u2019re not always willing to go public regarding their love lives.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-1612664\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"400\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"Black Couple\" class=\"wp-image-1612664\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?strip=all&amp;quality=80 700w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=153%2C87&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=378%2C216&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=660%2C377&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=180%2C103&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=280%2C160&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 280w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=560%2C320&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 560w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=140%2C80&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 140w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=70%2C40&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 70w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=350%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 350w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=175%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 175w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=88%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 88w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=450%2C257&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=600%2C343&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=250%2C143&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=257%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 257w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=245%2C140&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=151%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 151w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=144%2C82&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/01\/17585576224303.png?resize=50%2C29&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Radio ONE \/ General<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"h-you-make-solid-plans-not-vague-ones-in-the-dating-stage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>You make solid plans, not vague ones, in the dating stage.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the talking stage, you might text throughout the day and casually suggest getting together, but plans are often spontaneous or undefined. You might exchange vague phrases like \u201cWe should grab dinner sometime\u201d or \u201cLet\u2019s talk soon,\u201d without ever actually following through. When you\u2019re dating, however, there\u2019s usually more intention behind making plans. You\u2019re actively making time to see each other, whether that means going out to dinner, catching a movie, attending an event together or planning a weekend activity.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-1661216\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"814\" height=\"429\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80\" alt=\"Thinking, couple and hug in lounge, trust and bonding on break with smile, love and romance in home. Happy, man and embrace with woman in living room, affection and reflection for future in house\" class=\"wp-image-1661216\" srcset=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?strip=all&amp;quality=80 814w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=153%2C81&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 153w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=378%2C199&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 378w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=768%2C405&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 768w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=660%2C348&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 660w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=180%2C95&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 180w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=190%2C100&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 190w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=379%2C200&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 379w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=95%2C50&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 95w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=720%2C379&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 720w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=450%2C237&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 450w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=600%2C316&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 600w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=250%2C132&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 250w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=279%2C147&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 279w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=245%2C129&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 245w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=163%2C86&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 163w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=144%2C76&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 144w, https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/17725618322076.jpg?resize=50%2C26&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 814px) 100vw, 814px\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Source: Jacob Wackerhausen \/ Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 id=\"h-you-clearly-define-the-relationship-in-the-dating-phase-instead-of-guessing-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>You clearly define the relationship in the dating phase, instead of guessing.\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">During the talking stage, you\u2019re interested in each other and may be spending a lot of time communicating, but neither person has necessarily had a conversation about what the relationship actually is or whether you\u2019re exclusive. There may still be some uncertainty about where things are headed. When you\u2019re dating, there\u2019s typically more clarity about your romantic intentions. You may have discussed exclusivity, referred to each other as boyfriend or girlfriend, or simply established that you\u2019re seriously exploring the possibility of a relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>RELATED CONTENT: <\/strong><strong><a class=\"ga-template=other ga-block-template=iOne-Flex-Posts-sidebyside ga-element-type=article-title\" href=\"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/1441971\/first-date-colors-what-to-wear\/\">Ladies, Put The Little Black Dress Away \u2014 Dating Expert Reveals The One Color Most Likely To Land You A Second Date<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t<!--paging of post--><\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Source: RgStudio \/ Getty UPDATE \u2014 Tuesday, August 13, 2026, 3:20 p.m. EST: What does it really mean to be dating someone versus simply talking to them? While both stages involve getting to know another person and figuring out whether there\u2019s potential for a relationship, the two aren\u2019t necessarily interchangeable. In fact, there can be&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":44333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/madamenoire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2020\/06\/15924311298301.jpg?quality=80&strip=all&w=724&crop=0,0,100,483px","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44332","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-celebrity-gossip"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44332","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=44332"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44332\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/44333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=44332"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=44332"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=44332"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}