Slang dossier
Situationship
Pronounced sit-yoo-AY-shun-ship
A romantic or intimate connection whose expectations and label have not been clearly agreed. It is more specific than friendship, but does not necessarily mean a committed relationship.
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In a sentence
How it sounds
Illustrative examples
- “We talk every day, but it is still a situationship.”
- “I want to know what this situationship actually means.”
Where teens use it
The habitat
Relationship conversations, dating posts and discussions of mixed signals.
Parent briefing
What parents should know
Ask what each person wants and whether they have said it clearly. Uncertainty does not remove the need for consent, respect and boundaries. Listen without demanding private details or making fun of the label.
Keep decoding
Related terms
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