Are you looking for something intimate and sexually satisfying but don’t want the commitment of a relationship? Inspired by the Friends with Benefits (FWB), Gen-Z has invented a new not-so-romantic arrangement called the situationship. It is an undefined romantic relationship that exists somewhere between a committed relationship and a casual hookup.

In simpler words, when two emotionally unavailable people come together to enjoy the perks of a relationship but don’t want to commit themselves to one another or label their arrangement, they are in a situationship. However, regardless of how well-set the boundaries are, situationships tend to get messy as one of the two individuals ends up developing an emotional connection with their partner.

What Is a Situationship?

A situationship can be defined as a sexual or romantic relationship that doesn’t have a label. While it may sound like friends with benefits, it is very different. In an FWB arrangement, the individuals engage in casual sex with pre-established boundaries. In a situationship, the individuals have a stronger connection, but there is no title, commitment, or promises. Thus, a situationship is an easy way to enjoy all the perks of dating without the added responsibility and commitment.

11 Signs You Are in a Situationship

According to a survey, 20% of Gen-Z have already been in a situationship. If you suspect being in a situationship, watch out for the following signs:

1. Your relationship doesn’t have a label.
2. You aren’t consistent.
3. You feel like your arrangement is stuck on one stage.
4. You continuously feel like you are confused or anxious.
5. You are not a part of any social circle.
6. You and your partner usually make last-minute plans only.
7. The option of canceling is always there.
8. You both are seeing other people.
9. You have never been on an actual date.
10. You and your partner never talk. In other words, you don’t know much about your partner’s life, likes, and dislikes.
11. You are not part of your partner’s future.

How to Get Out of a Situationship

When the time comes to get out of a situationship, you have two options in front of you:

Break Up with Your Partner

In case things are getting out of hand or this unromantic arrangement isn’t working for you, you may need to break up with your partner. You must build the courage to stand up for yourself and tell your partner you want to end the situationship. Depending on how long you have known them, you can break up over a text, call, or in person.

Turn into a Relationship

If you have developed an emotional attachment to your partner and want something more serious, telling them how you feel is the best way to get it off your chest. Even though it may seem terrifying as you risk losing the person forever, you must be honest about how you feel for your own sake. This will save you pain and heartache in the long run.

Wrapping It Up!

A situationship is a modern-day arrangement that is less than a relationship and more than a hookup. Highly preferred by Gen Z and Millennials, a situationship saves both partners from the responsibility and pressure of a relationship, allowing them to focus on their own lives. However, you might develop feelings for your partner before you know it, which can complicate things. Thus, while a situationship may seem trendy and exciting on the surface, the confusion and emotional attachment can lead to stress and heartache.

What does it mean to be in a situationship?

A situationship is a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks clear definition, commitment, or long-term direction. It’s more than a friendship, but not quite a committed relationship. You might spend time together, share intimacy, and even act like a couple—but without labels, clarity, or mutual expectations.

People often end up in situationships when:

• They’re avoiding commitment

• They’re unsure about the other person’s feelings

• It’s convenient or feels “easier” than defining things

How do you tell if it’s a situationship?

Here are common signs:

1. Lack of labels: You’re not “official,” and conversations about the relationship status are avoided or brushed off.

2. Inconsistent communication: There’s no rhythm or reliability in how often you talk or see each other.

3. No future plans: You rarely talk about long-term goals, milestones, or even next week’s plans.

4. Unclear emotional connection: One or both of you keep things surface-level to avoid vulnerability.

5. You’re confused more than content: You’re often left wondering, “What are we?”

Is a situationship considered dating?

Technically, yes—but conditionally.
A situationship can include dating activities (dinners, dates, sleepovers), but it doesn’t typically involve emotional security, exclusivity, or intentional growth that usually comes with serious dating.

So, while you may be seeing each other, a situationship often lacks the mutual clarity and commitment that defines traditional dating.

What is a textationship?

A textationship is a relationship—often flirtatious or emotionally intimate—that exists mostly or entirely through text messages.

Signs of a textationship:

• You rarely (or never) meet in person

• Communication is mostly or only digital

• The connection feels real—but there’s no actual progression

• There’s constant chatting but little substance or follow-through

Textationships can be comforting but also confusing—especially if one person hopes for more and the other is content staying behind a screen.

References

Healthline. (2019). Emotional Attraction FAQs. Retrieved from Healthline

https://www.healthline.com/health/emotional-attraction

YPULSE. (2023). How Many Gen Z and Millennials Have Really Been in a Situationship. Retrieved from YPULSE