What does it mean to be in a relationship? What are the elements that make it?

[alex a]

I saw one of my friends the other day on facebook and later read that she was in a relationship with a guy, but what exactly does that mean? Is it just boyfriend/girlfriend if so, then what? Does it mean that they can now hug each other, kiss each, have s** with each other, and maybe later get engaged and finally getting married or is it just someone special?

[Admiraldoor]

A relationship means for the most part exclusive. As in they no longer will date other people as official dates.

Hugging is done by friends, even kissing and so on. So no, those don't make a relationship.

So what does? Its the emotional bond between the two, and the support they give each other in a mutual exclusive relationship.

If the emotional bond survives the turbulent sea of relationshipism, than later it may become and engagement.