The concept of dating has changed a lot over the years. What defines dating, just "talking," just friends -- what do these terms even mean anymore? We'll compare the Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of commonly used words with the Urban Dictionary definition, and discuss what these words actually mean.
Warning: Please take this article with a pinch of salt. While Merriam-Webster can be cited as a credible source, Urban Dictionary is not. Also, these are just my opinions of what these words mean to me. Feel free to make your own definitions. Enjoy!
A Crush
Merriam-Webster: a strong feeling of romantic love for someone that is usually not expressed and does not last a long time.
Urban Dictionary: a burning desire to be with someone who you find very attractive and extremely special.
So basically, you see someone, you notice something about them that is attractive to you, you consider the possibility of a relationship. Crushes are relatively harmless and are fun to joke about with friends. However, be aware that crushes can develop into friendships, which could develop into relationships. The possibility exists.
"Friends"
Merriam-Webster: a person who you like and enjoy being with; one attached to another by affection or esteem; a favored companion.
Urban Dictionary: people who are aware of how ridiculous you are and still manage to be seen in public with you.
At this point, you've introduced yourself to the other person you've found attractive. You've gotten to know each other better, maybe even hanging out together. But things are still casual. You enjoy being in this person's company, but there might be something more there.
"Talking"
Merriam-Webster: saying words in order to express your thoughts, feelings, opinions, etc., to someone.
Urban Dictionary: when two people are not exclusive with each other nor have established what they are as a couple, but have some sort of relationship.
You're a little more than friends, somewhere in between just friends and dating. You text back and forth, you Snapchat back and forth, you hang out frequently, but nothing is official. You're just talking back and forth, with the very good possibility of relationship happening soon.
A "Thing"
Merriam-Webster: a matter of concern; deed, act, accomplishment; a product of work or activity; something (as an activity) that makes a strong appeal to the individual.
Urban Dictionary: a romantic relationship; a way to describe falling for someone, like a crush; you're not officially together with a label.
You've reached the point where you're more than friends. You like the other person, they like you, but no official label has been placed on anything. Everyone sees you together and recognizes the pairing, but it just isn't official. There's nothing wrong with just chilling in this stage.
Dating
Merriam-Webster: the act of making an appointment to meet at a specified time; especially a social engagement between two persons that often has a romantic character.
Urban Dictionary: of a couple, to be in the early stages of a relationship where they go out on dates to find out what each other is like, as a prelude to actually being a fully-fledged couple.
So what does that look like today? Dating is the final step, whether it be to make it Facebook official or just to be able to tell your friends that there's a label on you and your significant other. And while this is great, it does not mean the work is over. Dating and beginning a relationship can be fun, but also requires a great deal of work and an equal deal of work from both parties.
So the dictionary definition doesn't always relate to our society and terminology today. However, it is interesting to compare the two and look for similarities and differences between Merriam-Webster and Urban Dictionary. I encourage you to do your own research and come up with your own definitions of what each term means to you, as there are no concrete definitions.
