How do we define short term in a relationship? According to relationship experts and psychologists, a short term relationship is a romantic connection that typically lasts from a few weeks to several months.
Sarah stared at her phone. The text message made her heart race: “I really like you, but I’m only looking for something short term right now.”
In that moment, her heart sank. Was it just an excuse… or was he telling the truth?
What did that even mean? Was he just trying to let her down easy? Or was this actually a real type of relationship?
If you’ve ever stood at the edge of something that felt real but wasn’t meant to last — you’re not alone.
Every day, millions fall into casual dating, thinking they understand the rules… until feelings change, and someone walks away.
What is a short term relationship, really? And why does it feel so real? Let’s understand its key dynamics.
What is a Short Term Relationship?
Coming from the word “Short term,” it means something that’s not built to last forever. It’s a connection with an expiration date — even if the feelings don’t come with one.
A short term relationship is a romantic connection between two people that lasts for a brief period, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. Unlike long-term commitments, these relationships have a clear understanding that they won’t lead to marriage or lifelong partnership.
How we define short depends on the people involved, but usually, it means the relationship lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It’s long enough to fall for someone’s smile, to share late-night talks, to miss them before they’re even gone — but not long enough to build a future together.
Think of it like renting an apartment instead of buying a house. You enjoy the experience while it lasts, but you both know it’s temporary from the start. There’s often emotional closeness, real moments, and maybe even love. But there’s also a quiet understanding, spoken or not: this will end.
It’s not a mistake. It’s a choice.
What is a Short Term Relationship Called?
Short term relationships go by several names:
- Casual dating (though this can be less committed)
- Situationship (when the boundaries are unclear)
- Short term dating
- Temporary relationship
- Transitional relationship
Short Term Dating: The Usual Timeline
The duration of Short term relationships varies, but most experts agree on these timeframes:
Typical Duration:
- 2 weeks to 6 months
- Average length: 2-3 months
- Some can extend up to 8 months
“According to UC Davis relationship research, temporary relationships that last beyond 6 months often transition into something more serious or end naturally as people realize their incompatibility.”
The timeline depends on several factors:
- How often you see each other.
- The intensity of your connection.
- Your personal circumstances.
- Whether feelings develop unexpectedly.
What Is Considered a Short Term Relationship?
If it’s a relationship that lasts anywhere from a few weeks to about 6 months. Some might stretch to 8 months, but beyond that, it often begins to shift — either toward something more serious or a natural ending.
Important Note: It’s not just about the number of days, it’s about the intention behind the connection. These relationships are understood to be temporary from the start, with both people aware that it’s not building toward a long-term future.
Key Characteristics of Short Term Relationships
1. Clear Time-Bound Expectations
Both people understand the relationship has an expiration date. This might be because:
- Someone is moving away for work or school
- One person isn’t ready for a serious commitment
- Both are exploring what they want in a partner
- Life circumstances make long-term planning impossible
2. Emotional Connection Without Deep Commitment
Short term relationships involve real feelings. You care about each other, enjoy spending time together, and may even fall in love. However, you don’t make major life decisions based on this relationship.
3. Limited Future Planning
You might plan next weekend’s activities, but you’re not discussing where to spend Christmas two years from now. The focus stays on the present moment.
4. Open Communication About Boundaries
Successful casual dating requires honest conversations about expectations, other courting, and what happens when it ends.
What is an Example of a Short Term Relationship?
Example 1: The Summer Romance.
Jessica, a college student, met Mark during her summer internship in another city. They both knew she’d return to school in August. For three months, they dated exclusively, attended events together, and developed genuine feelings. When summer ended, they had a loving goodbye and remained friends.
Example 2: The Rebound Relationship.
After a difficult divorce, Tom wasn’t ready for a serious commitment. He met Lisa, who understood his situation. They dated for four months, providing each other companionship and emotional support while Tom healed. When Tom felt ready to date seriously again, they ended things amicably.
Example 3: The Career-Focused Connection.
Maya was preparing for medical school applications and knew she’d be too busy for a serious relationship. She met David, who was also career-focused. They enjoyed each other’s company for five months while supporting each other’s goals, then naturally grew apart as their schedules intensified.
What Does it Mean if Someone Wants a Short Term Relationship?
When someone says they want a short term relationship, they’re usually communicating one of these messages:
They’re Being Honest About Their Capacity
Life circumstances might limit their ability to commit long-term:
- Career transitions
- Personal healing after a breakup
- Upcoming major life changes
- Financial instability
They Want to Explore and Learn
Some people use temporary relationships to:
- Understand what they want in a partner
- Practice relationship skills
- Experience different types of connections
- Build confidence in dating
They’re Not Ready for Serious Commitment
This doesn’t mean they don’t like you. It means they recognize they can’t give you what a long-term relationship requires.
According to Psychology Today, being upfront about wanting a Short term relationship shows emotional maturity and respect for potential partners.
What is Short Term Love Called?
Short term love is when two people really like or even love each other, but they know the relationship won’t last forever. The feelings are real, but the time together is short.
People call Short term love different names. Some common ones are:
- Temporary love – Love that lasts only for a little while.
- Situational love – Passion that happens because of a certain life situation, like living in the same city for a few months.
- Transitional affection – A kind of love that helps someone move from one stage of life to another, like after a breakup or before a big move.
- Short term attachment – A close bond that forms quickly but doesn’t last long.
“These terms don’t minimize the realness of the emotions. Love in Short term relationships can be just as intense and meaningful as long-term love.” – Rachel Coalburn, intimacy therapist and relationship expert at Empathy Health Clinic.
What Psychology Says About Short Term Relationships?
From a psychological perspective, short term relationships serve important functions:
Attachment and Learning
These relationships help people practice intimacy skills without the pressure of permanent commitment. They’re like training wheels for more serious relationships.
Emotional Regulation
Short term relationships can provide companionship during difficult life transitions, offering emotional support without long-term obligations.
Identity Development
Young adults especially benefit from temporary relationships as they figure out their preferences, values, and relationship goals. It’s part of their identity exploration.
Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that people who engage in various relationship types, including transitional ones, often develop better relationship skills over time.
What is a Long-Term Relationship?
Understanding Short term relationships becomes clearer when compared to long-term ones:
Long-term, or also called an LTR relationship, typically involves:
- Planning a future together
- Making major life decisions as a team
- Deep emotional and often financial interdependence
- Duration of years, potentially leading to marriage
- Shared goals and values alignment
Transitional relationship focus on:
- Present-moment connection
- Individual growth and exploration
- Limited future planning
- Clear boundaries and expectations
Short Term Dating vs Hookup: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse Short term dating with casual hookups, but they’re quite different:
Short term dating includes:
- Regular communication
- Going on actual dates
- Some level of exclusivity (often discussed)
- Emotional connection
- Getting to know each other as people
Hookups typically involve:
- Primarily physical connection
- Minimal emotional investment
- Infrequent communication
- No expectation of ongoing dating
- Focus on immediate satisfaction
Remember: Short term relationships aren’t just casual hookups with extra steps. They involve genuine connection, dating activities, and emotional involvement. The key difference is the timeline and expectations.”
Benefits of Short Term Relationships
Short term relationships aren’t consolation prizes. They offer unique advantages like:
- Personal Growth – You learn about yourself without the pressure of “making it work forever.”
- Skill Development – You practice communication, compromise, and intimacy skills.
- Reduced Pressure – Without long-term expectations, you can be more authentic and relaxed.
- Emotional Support – You get companionship during specific life phases when you need it most.
Temporary Relationship Potential Challenges
Casual dating isn’t without difficulties. While they can be rewarding, they can also bring unexpected pain.
Developing Unexpected Feelings
Even if both people agree on the rules from the start, emotions don’t always follow them. You can set clear boundaries — and still fall madly in love. When that happens, the ending can hurt deeply, leaving one person holding feelings with nowhere to place them.
If you’re struggling with letting go, this article on how to get over someone and move on with your life offers helpful, compassionate steps to begin healing.
Unclear Boundaries
Without open and honest communication, it’s easy for one or both people to get confused. What started as “just for now” can turn into mixed signals and unmet expectations.
Social Judgment
Not everyone understands or supports short term dating. You might face comments or pressure from friends, family, or even yourself.
Timing Issues
Sometimes one person is ready for more, and the other isn’t. That gap in readiness can create tension, disappointment, or an emotional imbalance.
“Short term relationships offer clarity and emotional growth without the pressure of forever,” says Rachel Coalburn, intimacy therapist and relationship researcher at Empathy Health Clinic.
Why Do People Agree to Short Term Relationships?
At first glance, situationship might seem like emotional landmines — full of potential heartbreak, confusion, or regret. So why do so many people still say yes to something they know won’t last?
The answer isn’t simple, but it is deeply human.
1. The Timing Feels Right — Even If the Future Doesn’t
Sometimes, people meet at the wrong time but still feel a strong connection. Maybe one person is moving cities. Maybe they’re healing from a breakup. Maybe their careers don’t leave room for commitment. And yet… the chemistry is undeniable.
Rather than walk away from something real, they choose to enjoy the moment — even if it comes with an expiration date.
2. Emotional Connection Still Matters, Even Temporarily
People crave connection. Even knowing it won’t last forever, the comfort of someone’s arms, late-night talks, and shared laughter can make a big difference during lonely or transitional phases in life.
In those moments, the now feels more important than the later.
3. It’s a Way to Heal or Rebuild Confidence
For those recovering from heartbreak or loss, short term relationships can be gentle stepping stones. They help people feel desired again, reconnect with romance, or learn to trust themselves emotionally, without the overwhelming pressure of a long-term future.
It’s not about avoiding love. It’s about learning to feel safe in it again.
4. Curiosity and Self-Discovery
Many people agree to situationship simply because they’re figuring out what they want. These relationships can be part of exploring preferences, values, and boundaries. For some, they’re just as educational as they are emotional.
5. Freedom Without Complete Isolation
A short term commitment offers companionship and intimacy, without tying someone down long-term. For individuals prioritizing career, travel, personal growth, or healing, it’s a way to experience closeness without derailing their life plans.
The Quiet Truth
Even when people agree to a short term relationship, they know the risks. They know feelings can grow, that endings hurt, and that saying goodbye to someone you shared part of your heart with is never easy.
But they also know that not every relationship is meant to last forever.
Some are meant to teach.
Some are meant to heal.
Some are just meant to be — for a while.
And that’s okay.
Short term relationships may not promise forever, but they often give people exactly what they need for now.
Making Short Term Relationships Work
If you’re thinking about trying short term dating and believe it could be meaningful, there are a few things you should know first.
To make it work well, success depends on:
- Honest Communication. Be upfront about your expectations and limitations from the beginning.
- Clear Boundaries. Discuss exclusivity, communication frequency, and what happens if feelings change.
- Present-Moment Focus. Enjoy what you have now instead of constantly wondering “what if.”
- Respectful Endings. Plan for how you’ll handle the transition when the relationship runs its course.
Frequently Asked Questions about a Short Term Relationship (FAQ)
Q: What defines a Short term relationship?
Short term relationship is when two people date or connect romantically for a short period — usually a few weeks or months. Both people know it’s not meant to last forever, and there’s no plan for things like marriage or moving in together.
Q: How long do Short term relationships last?
Most temporary relationships last between 2 weeks and 6 months. Some might go a bit longer, but after about 6–8 months, many either end or turn into something more serious.
Q: Are Short term relationships emotionally meaningful?
Yes! Just because they don’t last long doesn’t mean they aren’t real. People in Short term relationships can care deeply about each other, learn a lot, and feel supported. These relationships can be important during certain times in life.
Q: What’s the difference between Short term dating and hookups?
Short term dating usually means you go on dates, talk regularly, and have some emotional connection. You may even be exclusive for a while. Hookups are mostly about physical attraction, with little or no emotional connection. There’s usually no dating or deeper bond involved.
Q: How do people know their relationship will only be short term?
Sometimes people talk about it early on and agree that the relationship won’t last forever. Other times, life makes it clear — like if one person is moving soon, not ready for commitment, or focused on school or work. When both people are honest about what they want, they can enjoy the time together without expecting a long-term future.
Bottom Line About Short Relationships
Short term relationships are legitimate, valuable connections that serve important purposes in many people’s lives. They’re not failed attempts at long-term love or settling for less than you deserve.
Whether you’re healing from a breakup, focusing on career goals, or simply exploring what you want in a partner, short term relationships can provide meaningful connection without long-term pressure.
Remember Sarah from the beginning? She decided to give that short term relationship a chance. Three months later, she had gained confidence, clarity about what she wanted in a future partner, and wonderful memories from a connection that served its purpose perfectly.
Sometimes the best relationships aren’t the ones that last forever. They’re the ones that give you exactly what you need, when you need it.
