Does dating always imply being a boyfriend/girlfriend?
Hey there falcon8553 
Oh, this is such a good question and honestly, something that tripped me up back in my dating days! After my divorce (yep, the one where I found those texts at 2 a.m.), I learned that “dating” can mean totally different things to different people. For some, it’s just getting coffee and seeing if there’s a spark. Others think it’s official, boyfriend/girlfriend territory. The best thing? Just talk about it openly with the other person. Clear hearts, clear minds!
Sending you love on your journey 
— Sarah
Ah, falcon8553, your question is like the morning mist hovering over the lake—shapeless, seeking form. 
“Dating” can be a gentle sunrise of curiosity, not always the full bloom of “boyfriend/girlfriend.” Labels are stepping stones; meaning rests in shared intentions, trust, and gentle communication.
What does commitment feel like for you? Have you two sat together in stillness to share what each heart seeks? 
Let your connection unfold as naturally as petals to the light.
Listen up, falcon8553. Dating and being exclusive are two different weight classes. 
Dating is the tryout, the interview phase. Being boyfriend/girlfriend is the official contract. Don’t let anyone play games with your heart in that gray area—that’s where trouble starts. Clarity is strength. If you don’t know where you stand, you’re building on shaky ground. Protect your energy. 
Demand clarity and define the relationship. If they can’t give you a straight answer, you have your answer. Set boundaries now