Racine Henry, Ph. A casual relationship can sometimes become more serious; the casual stage is often the beginning stages of a long-term commitment.
Some people want to date casually to get more experience with relationships and avoid getting too attached to one person too soon. Others date casually in the hopes of finding someone to build a romantic future with. Dating casually, hooking up, and having friends with benefits are similar concepts but have distinct differences.
The friends with benefits or hooking up arrangement usually entails spending time with someone as though they are just a friend, i. However, when the two of you are alone, you are likely being physically intimate. There are benefits and drawbacks to dating casually.
For instance, you can have the excitement of romance without the commitment that comes with a serious relationship. Some people want a casual relationship because they can have sex with one person without being in a long-term relationship. While this is not always the case, casual dating scenarios can help you find your long-term partner. Since the dynamic is casual, you can get to know the person as a friend and decide if you want to take things further romantically or committment-wise.
However, there are also some things to look out for when it comes to casual dating. Unfortunately, some people also use casual dating as a way to avoid having deep conversations or expressing their vulnerability. This is a coping mechanism for some people but this can be harmful to people who interact with individuals who are emotionally unavailable.
