Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and English speakers have countless ways to describe what stage they’re in. When I teach relationship vocabulary in my ESL classroom, students often ask: “Why are there so many different words for basically saying you’re dating?” The answer is that register, formality, and emotional tone matter hugely in English. Knowing whether to say “We’re seeing each other” versus “We’re in a relationship” versus “We’re dating” can make the difference between sounding natural and sounding like a textbook.
This guide maps the vocabulary across the entire arc of romance and partnership — from single to engaged, from breaking up to divorced. You’ll learn formal phrases, casual slang, and the emotional nuance that makes each one unique. Master these expressions, and you’ll sound like a native speaker discussing love and commitment.
Key Takeaways
- Relationship register matters — formal (in a relationship), casual (dating, seeing each other), and slang (hooking up, dumped).
- Each stage has its own vocab — from single and into to engaged, married, separated, and divorced.
- Emotional subtext changes tone — “We broke up” vs. “He dumped me” vs. “We’re through” carry different feelings.
- Commitment level is shown through language — “seeing each other” (casual) vs. “in a relationship” (committed) vs. “engaged” (pre-marriage).
- Slang vs. formal — practice both so you can code-switch in professional and casual contexts.
Before a Relationship Begins
When you’re not dating anyone, English speakers have several ways to announce their status. The simplest is direct; others give more context or emotional colour.
Single
/ˈsɪŋ.ɡəl/ — adjective. Not married and not in a romantic relationship with anyone.
Example 1: Are you still single?
Example 2: I’ve been single for two years, and I’m actually quite happy on my own.
Just Friends
Phrase — casual. A way to clarify that two people like each other but are not romantically involved.
Example 1: People always ask if we’re dating, but we’re just friends.
Example 2: He’s my best friend, and I want to keep it that way — just friends.
A Platonic Relationship
Phrase — formal. A more specific and professional way to say that you are “just friends” with someone.
Example 1: Our relationship is strictly platonic — we’re colleagues and nothing more.
Example 2: Even after 10 years, our friendship has remained platonic and strong.
When a Relationship Begins
The early stages of dating have their own vocabulary. These phrases show interest, casual connection, and the gradual deepening of commitment.
Into (Someone)
Phrasal adjective — slang. Attracted to someone romantically or sexually; showing signs of interest.
Example 1: I think he’s into me. I’m kind of into him too.
Example 2: She’s not into relationships right now, so I’m just going to be a friend.
Ask (Someone) Out
Phrasal verb — casual. To invite someone on a romantic date for the first time.
Example 1: He asked me out last Friday, and I said yes.
Example 2: I’m too nervous to ask her out — what if she says no?
Hook Up
Phrasal verb — slang. To kiss, make out, or have a sexual encounter with someone casually, often without the intention of dating.
Example 1: We hooked up at a party last weekend.
Example 2: They’ve been hooking up for a month, but it’s nothing serious.
Seeing Each Other
Phrase — casual. Dating someone; going on dates regularly, but the relationship may not be officially exclusive or committed yet.
Example 1: We’re seeing each other. It’s nothing serious, though.
Example 2: How long have you been seeing each other?
Tip: “Seeing each other” sits in the middle ground between casual dating and committed relationship. It’s ambiguous — it could mean exclusive or non-exclusive, so clarify if you need to know!
Committed Relationships
Once both people decide they are serious and exclusive, the language becomes more defined.
Dating
/ˈdeɪ.tɪŋ/ — verb/gerund. In a romantic relationship with someone; seeing someone regularly with the intention of building a connection.
Example 1: We’re dating, and it’s going really well.
Example 2: I’ve been dating him for six months now.
Boyfriend / Girlfriend
/ˈbɔɪ.frend/ / /ˈɡɜːrl.frend/ — nouns. A male or female romantic partner in an exclusive relationship.
Example 1: This is my boyfriend, Marco.
Example 2: My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Italy next summer.
In a Relationship
Phrase — formal. Officially and exclusively dating someone; often used on social media or in formal contexts.
Example 1: I’m in a relationship with someone I love very much.
Example 2: Her Facebook status changed to “In a relationship” last week.
Partners
/ˈpɑːrt.nərz/ — noun. Two people in a serious, committed relationship; often used when a couple is not married or when the couple is same-sex.
Example 1: My partner and I took a trip to Italy last year.
Example 2: Same-sex partners now have the legal right to marry in many countries.
Moving Towards Marriage
Get Engaged
Phrasal verb. To decide to marry someone and usually exchange rings as a symbol of that decision.
Example 1: Scott and I just got engaged!
Example 2: They got engaged after dating for three years.
Engaged / We’re Engaged
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒd/ — adjective/phrase. The state of having decided to marry someone; the period between the proposal and the wedding.
Example 1: We’re engaged and planning a wedding for next summer.
Example 2: My engaged sister is stressed about all the wedding details.
Newlyweds
/ˈnjuː.lɪ.wedz/ — noun (plural). A couple who have just been married, usually within the first year.
Example 1: Back when we were newlyweds, he’d bring home flowers once a week.
Example 2: The newlyweds went on a honeymoon to the Caribbean.
Happily Married
Phrase. Content and satisfied in marriage; a way couples often describe themselves after the “newlywed” phase.
Example 1: I’m happily married, with two kids — a boy and a girl.
Example 2: They’ve been happily married for 25 years.
When Relationships End
Breaking up, separating, or divorcing each have their own language — some matter-of-fact, some emotional.
Broke Up / Breaking Up
Phrasal verb. Ended a dating or romantic relationship; dissolved a non-marital partnership.
Example 1: A: Where’s Jane? B: Actually, we broke up.
Example 2: They’ve been breaking up and getting back together for months.
Through
Adjective/phrase — informal. Finished with a relationship, often used when the breakup is angry or final.
Example 1: He and I are through!
Example 2: After what she said, we’re through for good.
Dumped (Someone) / Got Dumped
Phrasal verb — slang. Broken up with someone, especially when one person makes the decision without the other’s agreement; can sound harsh.
Example 1: I can’t believe he dumped me without even talking about it!
Example 2: She got dumped over text message, which was cruel.
Separated
/ˈsep.ə.reɪ.tɪd/ — adjective. Living apart from a spouse, but not yet divorced; the first legal step in ending a marriage.
Example 1: My wife and I are separated, but we haven’t filed for divorce yet.
Example 2: After their separation, they eventually decided to get divorced.
Divorced
/daɪˈvɔːrst/ — adjective/verb. Legally ended a marriage; no longer married to someone.
Example 1: We’re getting divorced after 10 years of marriage.
Example 2: He and I are divorced, but we remain friends for the sake of our children.
Widowed / Widow
/ˈwɪd.oʊd/ — adjective. Having lost a spouse to death.
Example 1: She was widowed when her husband passed away five years ago.
Example 2: He’s a widower now, but he’s finding community in a grief support group.
Exes
/ˈek.səz/ — noun (plural). Former romantic partners; an ex-partner or ex-spouse.
Example 1: My ex took the house and the kids.
Example 2: Hey, isn’t that your ex-wife over there?
Remember: The prefix “ex-” can be added to boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, partner, or lover to refer to someone you were once with: ex-boyfriend, ex-partner, ex-lover, etc.
Common Mistakes with Relationship Vocabulary
✗ Incorrect: We’re just seeing each other, so we’re not boyfriend and girlfriend yet.
✓ Correct: We’re just seeing each other, so we’re not officially boyfriend and girlfriend yet.
Why: The phrase “seeing each other” already implies a casual stage, so adding “officially” clarifies the distinction from the committed label.
✗ Incorrect: We got engaged for marriage last month.
✓ Correct: We got engaged last month.
Why: “Engagement” by definition is the promise to marry, so adding “for marriage” is redundant. Simply say “got engaged.”
✗ Incorrect: After we divorced, we decided to separate.
✓ Correct: After we separated, we decided to divorce.
Why: Separation comes first (you live apart), then divorce (the legal end). The order matters.
Sample Dialogue: Catching Up with an Old Friend
Maya: So what’s new with you? Are you still with that guy from university?
James: Oh no, we broke up about two years ago. I’ve been single since then, actually.
Maya: Really? No new relationships?
James: Well, I’ve been seeing someone for about six months now. It’s getting pretty serious, so maybe we’ll say we’re officially in a relationship soon.
Maya: That sounds promising! Do you think it’ll get to engagement?
James: Who knows? We’re taking it one day at a time. But yeah, I can see that happening down the road.
Common Mistakes with Relationship Vocabulary (continued)
✗ Incorrect: I’m not looking for anything serious, so I’m just hooking up with people.
✓ Correct: I’m not looking for anything serious, so I’m just hooking up with people casually.
Why: “Hooking up” already implies a casual encounter, but adding “casually” reinforces the lack of commitment.
✗ Incorrect: We’ve been dating for five years, and now we’re newlyweds.
✓ Correct: We’ve been dating for five years, and now we’re newlyweds (as of last month).
Why: “Newlyweds” refers to the first 1–2 years of marriage, so specify when the wedding was to avoid confusion.
Quick Quiz
- If you’re not married and not dating anyone, you’re ________.
- A couple who just got married are called ________.
- If you’re serious and exclusive with someone, you’re ________ or ________ (two possible answers).
- The phrase “________” means you’re interested in someone romantically.
- To end a dating relationship is to ________ (phrasal verb: two words).
Answers: 1. single · 2. newlyweds · 3. dating / in a relationship · 4. into someone / into them · 5. break up.
Related Articles
- ↑ Master Pillar: English Speaking
- How to Express Wishes and Regrets: “I Wish,” “If Only” — useful for expressing romantic desires and regrets
- Useful Phrases for Discussion and Debate in English — helpful for couples having conversations
- English Slang Words and Phrases — more casual register examples
- ↑ Back to pillar: English Idioms and Expressions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between “dating” and “in a relationship”?
Is it polite to say someone “dumped” you?
What’s the difference between “separated” and “divorced”?
Can I use “girlfriend” or “boyfriend” if I’m an adult in a long-term relationship?
How do I know when to say “seeing each other” versus “dating”?
Quick Test: Check Your Understanding
5 questions to test what you've learned. No sign-up required.