Ultimately, it’s up to the couple to decide when they feel ready to move in together and make their relationship official. Regardless of the exact timeline, however, there are some dating milestones that should be reached before making the decision to commit.
Having the big “DTR” conversation can be scary. But it’s important to remember that there is no right answer.
First Dates
The biggest factor on a first date is whether or not your date has other commitments that influence their schedule. It’s a good idea to ask them what their time constraints are in advance of the date so you don’t end up making them late for something they already have going on.
Experts recommend keeping your first dates to an hour if possible. This is a great timeframe for learning more about your date, but it’s also short enough to avoid creating dating burnout in case you discover early on that they’re not the one for you. Also, shorter dates make it easier to leave if necessary.
Second Dates
The second date is a great chance to learn more about your potential partner, and to see how well you connect. This is also the time to talk about your past relationships, but only as much as is relevant to the future of your relationship.
Make sure to keep the conversation interesting by talking about fun activities, like going on a hike or taking turns choosing Buzzfeed quizzes. The goal is for your date to leave feeling that they enjoyed the evening. If they don’t, it’s probably best to move on. This is why it’s important to be honest from the start. By date three, you should have a good sense of whether or not this person is someone that you want to date long-term.
Third Dates
At the third date, he’s probably more interested in assessing compatibility and exploring whether the relationship could become meaningful. This is often the time where he starts talking more about his family and his life goals to see if they align with yours.
It’s also the time when you may feel more inclined to sleep together, but if this isn’t your thing, that’s totally fine too! The important thing is that you can talk about the future with him and that you both enjoy spending time together. The conversation shouldn’t be boring or awkward. It should be fun! This is where real chemistry can be felt.
Fourth Dates
The fourth date is when you start to talk about more significant things, like your values, beliefs, and political views. You also begin discussing what you are each looking for in a relationship.
By the end of your fourth date, you should have a pretty good idea about where things are headed. If you are still unclear, it may be time to end the relationship.
By this point, you should have a pretty clear idea about whether or not the person is a good fit for you. Don’t waste any more time with someone who isn’t right for you. Stand up for yourself!
Fifth Dates
By the fifth date, you should be comfortable enough to discuss more personal questions about your future together. Ask them about their family, past relationships, and lifestyle.
Chemistry is important, but compatibility is the key to a lasting relationship. By the fifth date, you should know if they have similar values and hobbies.
It is also a good idea to see if you have things in common like music or sports. If you do, this is a sign that you are on the same page. This will help you build trust and make a strong connection. Moreover, it will be easier to make the relationship official.
Sixth Dates
At this point, you’ve been dating for a while and it’s clear that the person is special to you. You’re probably thinking about making the relationship official.
Ultimately, the number of dates before a commitment is up to you and your partner. It’s not the most important factor, but it can be helpful to gauge the person’s level of commitment and emotional connection.
As Healthline explains, there’s no set number of dates that will tell you whether someone is ready to commit. Instead, you have to trust your intuition and look for signs that they are putting in the work required of a healthy relationship.