How Long Should You Date Before Making It Official? - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How Long Should You Date Before Making It Official? PDF download Download Article Dating Coach Emyli Lovz explains which milestones to hit before taking it to the next level Explore this Article Sections 1 How long should I date someone before committing? 2 Signs You’re Ready to Make the Relationship Official 3 Having the “Official” Talk What Should You Consider Before Making Your Relationship Official? + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections VideoWATCH NOW Related Articles References Co-authored by Emyli Lovz and Eric McClure

Last Updated: February 22, 2026 Fact Checked

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This article was co-authored by Emyli Lovz and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Emyli Lovz is a dating and relationship coach for men based in San Francisco, CA. With 14 years of experience, Emyli is the co-founder of emlovz alongside her husband Thomas, whom she met during a 100-date experiment at UC Berkeley. Research findings from the experiment and the data collected from male and female clients over the past 14 years are the foundation for her coaching program, Dating Decoded. Now with a team of 10 coaches, emlovz is dedicated to helping men and women find and maintain loving, healthy, and lasting relationships and empowering them to achieve their dating and relationship goals. In addition to Dating Decoded, she also offers Relationships Decoded, helping people to not only find a long-term partner but an enduring, thriving relationship. Since 2012, Emyli has guided thousands of men, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Newsweek, USA Today, LA Weekly, Maxim, and more. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 680,733 times.

Wondering how long it takes for casual dating to turn into an exclusive relationship? Have you gone on a few dates with somebody and you’re wondering if it’s “too early” to make the jump? Luckily, it’s easy to figure out when you’re ready to make the plunge, and there’s plenty of data out there when it comes to how long the typical transition from dating to commitment takes. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what it takes to turn a few dates into a serious relationship.This article is based on an interview with our dating coach, Candice Mostisser. Check out the full interview here.

How Long to Date Before Committing: Pro Tips

Dating Coach Emyli Lovz says to try hitting certain milestones before committing to a relationship. Meet their friends and family, try taking a short trip together, and see how you deal with your first argument. Most couples can reach these milestones within about 90 days, but take it at your own pace and don't rush.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

How long should I date someone before committing?

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  1. Step 1 It depends on how often you see them and how intense it is. 1 It depends on how often you see them and how intense it is. There is no “one size fits all” rule here. If you date someone once a week, you’ll get to know them intimately a whole lot faster than if you two dated once a month. If you’re seeing your date every other day or so, you might be comfortable committing in a week! Alternatively, it might take a few months if you only occasionally hang.[1]
    • Don’t worry about fulfilling any kind of time requirement before making it official with a person you’ve been dating. If you like them and you’re comfortable with it, do it!
  2. Step 2 Around 1-3 months is considered “normal” for most couples. 2 Around 1-3 months is considered “normal” for most couples. If you’ve been dating someone for a week or two and you’re wondering when most couples have the exclusivity talk, don’t worry. Many long-term couples made it official after a few months of casual dating.[2]
    • It’s perfectly fine to pull the trigger earlier if you’re both on board, though. If you two have been friends for a while, or you’ve been casually hooking up, you already know each other well enough to make a decision ASAP. Don’t force yourselves to casually date if you’re both already on board with a relationship.[3]
    • If it has been more than 4-6 months, it may be a red flag. It’s worth discussing what’s going on if you want this to move forward.[4]
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  3. Step 3 Most folks need 5-6 dates to make it official. 3 Most folks need 5-6 dates to make it official. Every couple is different, but if you’ve gone on 3-4 dates and you’re worried that you aren’t official yet, don’t worry. Most couples go on 5-6 dates before they start discussing a relationship, and some take even longer. Don’t sweat it if you’re a few dates in.[5]
    • This lines up with the 1- to 3-month timeline for most folks. That’s 1 date every weekend on the fast side, and 1 date every 2-3 weeks or so on the longer side.
    • After 6 dates, you should start to form an impression of whether there’s anything here or not. If you still can’t tell, it’s okay to keep dating, but try to identify whether you want a relationship with this person or not.[6]
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Section 2 of 3:

Signs You’re Ready to Make the Relationship Official

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  1. Step 1 You’ve talked about your future together casually. 1 You’ve talked about your future together casually. This signals that both of you are at least thinking about seeing where this can go, which is a huge sign you’re ready for a relationship. If this were just a quick fling, the two of you would never mention future plans, hopes, or dreams that involve the other person.[7]
    • This might include phrases like, “We should go to the beach next summer,” or, “Would you want to take a road trip in a few months?”
  2. Step 2 You’ve met each other’s friends. 2 You’ve met each other’s friends. If you’re enmeshed in one another’s social lives, it’s a major sign that the two of you are ready to make things official. People who are just causally dating don’t bring their flings around their friends, and the fact that you’re both comfortable with bringing them around is important.[8]
    • If your friends really like your significant other, it’s a good sign as well. They’d probably let you know if they thought you were making a huge mistake.
  3. Step 3 Your time together has been intimate and meaningful. 3 Your time together has been intimate and meaningful. Conversation with a quick fling is usually superficial. If you two have discussed deeper values, painful memories, or important beliefs, it’s a signal that you’re developing a strong, emotional bond. If you want a fulfilling relationship, this is a sign you’re on the right path.[9]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 1426 wikiHow readers which signs in a relationship would make them feel ready to commit, and 56% of them agreed on a strong emotional connection and understanding. [Take Poll]
  4. Step 4 You’re both emotionally available. 4 You’re both emotionally available. If nobody is dealing with some unresolved feelings for an ex, neither of you are seriously dating any other partners, and there’s no trauma either of you are working through, you’re both ready to date. If there are any issues you two need to work through first, it’s best to let those wounds heal before starting a new relationship.[10]
    • Starting a relationship before you (or your partner) are emotionally ready for it can create issues early on. Don’t rush things if you aren’t ready.
  5. Step 5 You can’t picture yourself being with anyone else. 5 You can’t picture yourself being with anyone else. The most important factor here is how you feel. If you enjoy spending time with the person you’ve been dated, you want to be in a relationship, and you envision a future together, the time is now.[11]
    • If you don’t feel like the time is right to commit, don’t. And don’t feel bad about that, either. Even if your date wants to make it official, you should be 100% on board with it.
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Section 3 of 3:

Having the “Official” Talk

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  1. Step 1 Do this face-to-face when you’re both happy and calm. 1 Do this face-to-face when you’re both happy and calm. Doing this over the phone or via text can be rough, since you won’t be able to interpret their body language. Pick a time when you’re in a good place as a couple.[12]
    • You might do this after a good date, or while you’re both relaxing and cuddling on the couch.
  2. Step 2 Ask them if you can have a conversation about making it official. 2 Ask them if you can have a conversation about making it official. Take a deep breath and ask them if you can talk. Then, ask them if it’s okay to discuss the nature of your relationship. Don’t worry—you already know they like you, so you have nothing to worry about.[13]
    • You could say, “Hey, I’d like to talk about our relationship, if that’s okay? Nothing bad, I promise! I just want to know where you see us going and if you’re interested in making it official.”
    • Alternatively, you can just come right out and say, “I’m sorry if this is a bit forward, but do you want to be my boyfriend/girlfriend?”
    • If you don’t feel comfortable having this conversation, it may be a sign that you aren’t quite ready to move on.
  3. Step 3 Define the relationship if they’re on board with being a couple. 3 Define the relationship if they’re on board with being a couple. If they like you, you like them, and they’re interested in being an exclusive couple, define it just to make sure you both mean the same thing. This way, there’s no confusion regarding what you are. A lot of people don’t do this, but it’s important to make things clear.[14]
    • You might say, “So you’ll be my boyfriend/girlfriend?” or, “I’m going to be your boyfriend/girlfriend? It’s official?”
    • Make sure you’re exclusive by clarifying what a “relationship” means to you. You might ask, “I have no interest in dating anyone else. Do you feel the same way? I just want make sure we’re on the same page about not seeing other people.”
  4. Step 4 If they seem resistant, either cut ties or keep casually dating. 4 If they seem resistant, either cut ties or keep casually dating. If the “official” talk doesn’t go the way you want it to, take a deep breath. If you’re comfortable continuing to date and giving the relationship space to breathe, tell them. If you think you’re ready for something serious and this has run its course, say so. Whatever you choose to do, your decision is valid.[15]
    • If you’re okay to keep dating and you don’t mind waiting for them to meet you where you’re at, you might say, “That’s okay, I get it. I’m fine with keeping things casual if you are.”
    • If you really want to be exclusive and move things forward, you might say, “I understand how you feel, but I really think we’re looking for different things.”
    • It’s also okay to just say, “I need some time to think. I’m not angry or anything, but let me process how I feel.”
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What Should You Consider Before Making Your Relationship Official?

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wikiHow Quiz: Am I Ready For A Relationship?

Relationships offer fun, comfort, and companionship, but how do you know when you’re ready to commit? By waiting until you’re truly ready, you’re allowing yourself to be the best partner possible. To find out if you’re finally ready for a relationship, take our quiz! 1 of 12

What do you look for in a partner?

Someone who brings joy to my life.

I guess I’m not sure yet?

Let me pull out my list. I have about 20 specific requirements.

As long as they’re hotter than my ex was, I’m good.

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/love-sex/relationships/a32877637/make-relationship-official/
  2. ↑ https://www.mic.com/life/are-couples-becoming-monogamous-too-fast-16340951
  3. ↑ Candice Mostisser. Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.bolde.com/why-he-wont-commit-even-though-dating-months/
  5. ↑ https://www.mic.com/life/are-couples-becoming-monogamous-too-fast-16340951
  6. ↑ Candice Mostisser. Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/8-signs-you-know-you-two-are-r
  8. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/8-signs-you-know-you-two-are-r
  9. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/8-signs-you-know-you-two-are-r
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201602/10-questions-to-help-you-tell-if-youre-ready-to-commit
  2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/rediscovering-love/201602/10-questions-to-help-you-tell-if-youre-ready-to-commit
  3. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/01/31/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-have-the-talk-with-the-person-youre-dating/
  4. ↑ Candice Mostisser. Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soloish/wp/2018/01/31/the-ultimate-guide-on-how-to-have-the-talk-with-the-person-youre-dating/
  6. ↑ https://emiko-tsunagari.medium.com/its-not-just-commitment-phobia-when-your-partner-doesn-t-want-to-make-things-official-94c669258919

About This Article

Emyli Lovz Co-authored by: Emyli Lovz Dating and Relationship Coach This article was co-authored by Emyli Lovz and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Emyli Lovz is a dating and relationship coach for men based in San Francisco, CA. With 14 years of experience, Emyli is the co-founder of emlovz alongside her husband Thomas, whom she met during a 100-date experiment at UC Berkeley. Research findings from the experiment and the data collected from male and female clients over the past 14 years are the foundation for her coaching program, Dating Decoded. Now with a team of 10 coaches, emlovz is dedicated to helping men and women find and maintain loving, healthy, and lasting relationships and empowering them to achieve their dating and relationship goals. In addition to Dating Decoded, she also offers Relationships Decoded, helping people to not only find a long-term partner but an enduring, thriving relationship. Since 2012, Emyli has guided thousands of men, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Newsweek, USA Today, LA Weekly, Maxim, and more. This article has been viewed 680,733 times. 21 votes - 89% Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 22, 2026 Views: 680,733 Categories: Long Term Dating In other languages Spanish Arabic Dutch Portuguese Hindi Indonesian Thai Italian French Vietnamese Korean Turkish German Czech Japanese
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Emyli Lovz Co-authored by: Emyli Lovz Dating and Relationship Coach Co-authors: 6 Updated: February 22, 2026 Views: 680,733 89% of readers found this article helpful. 21 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote

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