If you haven’t heard of a situationship in 2025, you are likely living under a rock. The term has become widely recognized, particularly among teenagers and young adults. But what exactly is a situationship and why has it become so common? 

The dictionary.com definition of a situationship is “a romantic or sexual relationship that is undefined and noncommittal.” People in a situationship are more than friends but less than committed romantic partners. You may find yourself in one or know someone who has been in one. The real question, however, is why these undefined, low-pressure “relationships” are so prevalent, particularly among Generation Z today.

             At first glance, the appeal of a situationship may seem completely harmless; it’s a way to have fun with someone you like without the pressures of a committed relationship. ​​Younger generations have embraced the idea that not everything needs a strict definition. Gen Z often rejects the rigid boxes of traditional relationships, preferring freedom and fluidity. Situationships offer precisely that: an ambiguous space to connect without societal judgment.

However, the inherent uncertainty of situationships can create anxiety. Questions like “Where is this going?” or “Do they feel the same way about me?” or “How long will we be in this?” Can linger, making it difficult to enjoy the connection. 

“It can definitely be more fragile because there’s less open communication then I feel like there should be, especially with no labeled expectations and no clear commitment involved,” Tam senior Finnegan McGrane said.

Emotional transparency and honest conversations are often sacrificed in the name of keeping things casual, creating an emotional gray area that many find difficult to navigate. 

Many people tend to fall into situationships because Instagram, Tinder, and Snapchat have completely reshaped how we interact with each other socially and romantically. The popular term  “talking stage” often starts online and leads to a situationship without much or sometimes any in-person interaction. Moreover, these platforms offer a constant stream of potential new partners, and bring an illusion of “choice.” Swiping left or right becomes so effortless that the idea of investing in a committed relationship seems like a bigger risk. 

“Being in a situationship seems easier than dating because it allows people to have physical satisfaction without the fear of missing out on other experiences,” Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory senior Berkley Bernstein said. 

Social media makes it easy to see who else is out there, which can make staying loyal seem unappealing. In the age of social media, it’s easier than ever to avoid face-to-face communication and bypass difficult conversations like the “What are we?” talk. Of course, for many, the longer you wait to express how you truly feel, the harder it becomes to have that conversation. 

Digging deeper into the psychology of relationships reveals potential long-term consequences, especially for teenagers, whose developing brains may be more vulnerable to the emotional and mental impacts of uncertain, non-committed connections. According to the National Institute of Health, when we enter any kind of romantic relationship, the brain releases chemicals including dopamine and oxytocin, which bring feelings of happiness and connection. However, these chemicals don’t always lead to the same kind of stable emotional attachment when a relationship is undefined. Without the concrete foundation of trust and commitment, situationships can leave people feeling confused or emotionally vulnerable. 

Quickly to say, there’s nothing romantic about a situationship. While they might be fun for a while if you feel like you’re not ready for something serious or committed, it’s important to know the shortcomings of these “relationships” before you let yourself get involved too quickly. 

According to a BBC article containing an interview with Elizabeth Armstrong, a sociology professor at the University of Michigan, “the concept of the situationship goes against this notion that being with someone where it’s not going anywhere is ‘wasting time’ [Armstrong] says – a sentiment she notes Gen Z is increasingly embracing. Rather, people in these arrangements willingly opt into the grey area of an undefined relationship. They believe ‘the situationship, for whatever reason, works for right now. And for right now, I’m not going to worry about having a thing that is going somewhere.’” 

Media portrayals of casual relationships often romanticize the concept. Think about Television shows like Sex and the City where characters engage in carefree, “no strings attached” hookups. It seems fun and easy, right? In reality, situationships aren’t nearly as carefree or enjoyable as they appear on screen. 

“With social media and hookup culture there’s less focus on finding a solid, quality relationship and more about quantity,” Tam junior Annie Payne said.

You may know right away if a situationship is going to work out for you or not. If you are someone who seeks commitment, stability, and clarity in your life, a situationship may not be the best idea for you. On the contrary, if you are someone who is looking for freedom, flexibility, and intimacy without commitment, a situationship could be right up your alley. It truly comes down to your personality and what your romantic goals are. Before getting involved in a situationship, take a moment to think to yourself, is this really what you want?