Dating means different things to different people, especially across generations. At love is respect, we define dating as two or more people in an intimate relationship. The relationship may be sexual (though it doesn’t have to be), it could be serious or casual, gay or straight, monogamous or open, short-term or long-term.

We prefer the gender-neutral term “partners” to refer to people in intimate relationships, but you might use a different term for your relationship depending on your situation. No matter how you define it, it’s important to make sure you’re on the same page with your partner in setting the definitions and boundaries of your relationship.

To learn more about teen dating violence, go to loveisrespect.org