...think about what "dating' really means?

I recently have developed a theory about categories of romantic relationships. There are 4:
1. Not romantically involved at all (think you and the mailman. Unless you sleep with your mailman. Then you're in category 2. Unless you've married your mailman which puts in category 4. Ok, I'm getting way ahead of myself and am starting to wonder if you get your magazines for free.)

3. (yes, three) In a commited relationship, boyfriend/girlfriend. Love optional. I.e. you've had "the talk" AND call her/him your girlfriend/boyfriend in front of your friends.

4. Married. (you find yourself longing fondly for category 1).

2. Dating. EVERYTHING between 1 and 3. I have saved this for last because it is the crux of my theory.

My contention is that, unless you're truly in a relationship, every situation is slightly different. Maybe it's a roomate's friend that you habitually hook up with. Maybe it's a girl you see every weekend and expect to end up in a cat 3 situation. Maybe it's someone you go out with every 2 wks and know it's not leading anywhere but are having fun anyway. They're basically all the same, aren't they? They're not your buddy but they're not your boyfriend.

I know what you're thinking. "So, I hook up with one person one night, and all of a sudden we're dating?" Absolutely not. The habitual nature is what moves you into cat 2. If it's just one time, there is a window where a second and third time can move you into a new catergory. Once that window has elapsed, you're safely in 1. First dates retain that same window. As someone has remarked recently, the term "dating", present participle, implies current and continued activity.

Why is this important? Next time someone asks if you and that guy you make out with every weekend are dating, you can confidently say, "yes, Brian and I are dating." Without feeling like you've just committed yourself or needing to explain all the details of your particular situation. Besides, they didn't want to know details, just whether I'm still on the market. Theorists are a hot commodity these days. Get 'em while they're single!!!