The Top 9 Differences between a Fling and a Relationship

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Figure out if you're in a fling or a relationship with our expert advice

Co-authored by Savannah Vold Reviewed by John Keegan

Last Updated: January 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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Sometimes figuring out your relationship status can feel like trying to solve a Rubix cube blindfolded. The good news is that we're here to walk you through the signs you’re in a fling and even give advice about how to progress to a relationship if you’re looking to get serious. Read on to decode the mystery!

Things You Should Know

A partner in a fling may avoid commitment, while a relationship will involve planning to spend more time together.
In a fling, your partner may often prioritize a physical relationship over an emotional one and make minimal effort to get to know you better as a person.
Unlike a relationship, a partner in a fling won’t often introduce you to their loved ones or involve you in their life outside of having a sexual relationship.

1

Fling: They won’t commit to you.

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The two of you are exclusive. Suppose you’ve been hanging out for months, but they change the subject when you want to discuss whether you’re a couple. In that case, they likely want to keep things as they are and not commit to starting an official relationship with you.^{[1]
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- Remember, you deserve to feel valued and appreciated, so if a fling isn’t cutting it for you, don’t be afraid to express your feelings and move on if necessary—you’re a catch!
- In an official relationship, both partners tend to be able to agree on their label status early on (partner, girlfriend, boyfriend), whereas someone in a fling may avoid this.
- A fling can transition into an official relationship at any time. Be open and honest about your desire for a relationship with your partner—if they feel the same way, it might be time to make things official.

2

Fling: They won’t involve you in their inner circle.

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They introduce you to their friends and family. Most people can agree that things are getting serious when their partner wants to introduce them to their family and friends. This is because people interested in starting a lasting relationship don’t mind their friends and family asking about you.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, a partner in a fling may avoid having you meet their loved ones because they may be uncomfortable with speculation and don’t want to make things complicated, often called “pocketing.”
- Keep in mind that your partner might have a strained relationship with their family and not want to subject you to their unfair criticism or difficult personalities.
- If you want to meet your partner’s loved ones, it’s ok to politely ask! For example, you might say, “I can’t help but be curious to meet the people responsible for making you such a great person.”
- Reader Poll: We asked 850 wikiHow readers who've been in a fling or situationship, and only 12% of them said they realized they were in a fling because their partner hasn’t introduced them to friends and family. [Take Poll] While this can definitely be a red flag, there could be other reasons they haven’t introduced you yet. Make sure your partner knows how you feel before making an assumption.

3

Fling: It’s only physical.

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You have an emotional and physical connection. Serious relationships have both emotional and physical intimacy, while fling relationships are typically categorized by having a primarily sexual connection. Essentially, flings affirm physical attractiveness, not emotional compatibility.^{[3]
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- For example, if your partner is only interested in sex and doesn’t make an effort to get to know you as a person, you’re likely in a fling.
- Surprisingly enough, physical intimacy is often easier for people to manage than emotional intimacy, as many people fear rejection. If you’re looking to get more serious, consider asking your partner to go on a date with you where you can chat, like going to a museum.

4

Fling: You’re always the one to reach out.

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You stay in contact throughout the day. You had an amazing night together, but now it’s radio silence—what’s up with that? Unfortunately, someone in a fling may only reach out to you for physical connection and not try to grow their connection with you into something more.^{[4]
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- For example, you won’t often find a partner in a fling texting you to hang out unless they’re looking to hook up. Relationship partners are there for you when you need them, whereas your partner in a fling is typically only there when they need you.
- If you’re constantly reaching out to your partner, but they continuously ignore you or make you feel like an afterthought, it might be time to move on. Remember, you don’t have to settle for someone who doesn’t fulfill your needs—there’s someone out there who will make you feel loved and appreciated.

5

Fling: You only meet up under certain conditions.

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You both make time for each other. For example, if you’re busy or tired at night and have expressed this to your partner but continue to only reach out to you last-minute, they’re likely just looking to hook up and are unwilling to make sacrifices or compromises for your sake.^{[5]
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- Additionally, if your partner only wants to meet you at certain places during certain hours and is unwilling to display their affection for you publicly, they might be seeing other people and don’t want to be caught out and about with you.
- This may be especially true if your partner doesn’t or refuses to follow you on social media.
- If you’re concerned or uncomfortable about this, consider asking your partner if they’re seeing anyone else, and let them know if it’s important to you to keep your partnership exclusive.

6

Fling: They just got out of a relationship.

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You’re both prepared to make a commitment. A partner in a fling might be rebounding from a serious relationship. While it’s totally possible to enter into a wonderful relationship shortly after ending a serious one, these immediate connections made with another person shortly after a breakup are often considered “rebound flings.”^{[6]
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- Unfortunately, a challenging or significant breakup can lead people to look for validation elsewhere, resulting in flings with little chance of them developing into something more.
- For example, if your partner reached out to you shortly after ending a relationship with their long-term partner, they might be looking for a casual fling and may not be ready to get into a serious relationship again.
- If you’re concerned about being in a fling, ask your partner how they feel about progressing toward an official relationship. While it may be painful if your partner expresses their inability or unwillingness, at least you’ll know where you stand and can make an informed decision to stay or go.

7

Fling: You don’t talk about a future together.

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You involve each other in your life goals and plans. Planning ahead as a couple is seen as a sign of commitment and strengthening the relationship. If your partner avoids this and only makes plans for themselves, you may be in a fling.^{[7]
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Mental Health Foundation
UK charity working towards good mental health for all.

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- For example, if your partner says something like, “I’m looking forward to finally booking a vacation in Greece,” but doesn’t ask if you’d like to come, they likely see you as a casual fling.
- If you’re not concerned about planning for the future or simply aren’t into commitment, flings are an excellent way to meet your romantic needs without the hassle of a relationship. Listen to your heart and do what works best for you!
EXPERT TIP

John Keegan
Relationships Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan
Relationships Coach

Clear expectations are key for a lasting relationship. It's always best to seek out a partner who shares your vision of what commitment looks like.

8

Fling: Conversation is surface-level.

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You have deep talks together. People interested in pursuing a relationship tend to want to learn everything about you, from little to big. In the case of a fling, however, you may often find you and your partner avoiding deep conversation and only connecting physically.^{[8]
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Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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- For example, a partner in a fling might keep their answers short if you ask them a question, like only responding with “good” if you ask them how things are going in their life.
- Tell your partner you’re interested in getting to know them better if you’re looking to transition from fling to relationship. If your partner denies or avoids getting closer to you, they’re likely only interested in staying a fling.

9

Fling: They’re a player.

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You have a foundation of mutual trust and respect. We’ve all met players—they’re charming and know how to sweep you off your feet! While there’s nothing wrong with being romantically and/or sexually experienced, a person with a history of short-term flings may be most comfortable having another fling with you rather than establishing something serious.^{[9]
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- They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but that’s not always true. Many people went through numerous flings before finding the right person to get serious with.
- Ask yourself questions like, “Does my partner make me feel special?” or, “Does my partner have a wandering eye?” to help you determine if they’re playing with you.

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Tips

A fling is different from a love affair in that one of the members of a love affair has a serious relationship with a partner who’s being left in the dark.

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Having a fling is just as valid as having a relationship. You’re entitled to have whatever kind of partnership works best for you!

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Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
Remember that there are always exceptions to the rule. There may be other unknown factors contributing to why your relationship isn’t progressing past the fling stage if that’s what you desire.

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