Column: Why is Modern Dating so Complicated?
By Emily DeSanto — November 4 2026
Romance is dying, or at least changing. With the rise of technology, there has been a shift in the dating landscape. Singles are prioritizing meeting others through online dating platforms, and the organic meet-cute story is disappearing. Dating used to be fun and exciting, but now it has become an ordeal.
Explaining your relationship status used to be simple — now there are so many subcategories to a romantic relationship. Terms like situationship, talking stage, and ghosting have made modern dating way too complicated.
And do these terms even have any actual meaning or are they just disguising a lack of commitment?
The digital world has made dating so superficial and disconnected from reality. People are treating dating apps like an online shopping center, creating an illusion of endless options. This mindset can bring a fear of commitment, with the intruding thought of someone better coming along.
Single people are getting roped into no-label “relationships” that seem to never end. But at what point should one question the lack of significant milestones?
A talking stage refers to getting to know someone with the intention to form a romantic relationship. This may not seem so bad, except sometimes, the talking stage lasts for months with no sign of progress. A talking stage can easily turn into an unwanted situationship without one realizing it.
A situationship is the popular way to describe a no-label relationship. The romantic spark may be there, but there is no commitment or promised future. A situationship is not always a bad thing — unless you are a hopeless romantic.
If you are seeking out a serious relationship and find yourself in a situationship, the outcome probably will not be ideal. In a situationship, some of the emotional and physical benefits are there without the responsibilities and deeper connection that come with a label.
The two parties in a situationship rarely see eye to eye. One typically wants to invest in a relationship, while the other seeks something more casual. Someone with commitment issues will not feel the need to commit if they are already receiving the sought-after benefits because someone else is settling.
Communication is a core part of a relationship. Nowadays, if someone is no longer interested in pursuing a partner, they ghost them. Ghosting is the sudden end of communication with someone, with very little to no explanation. People ghost for their own personal convenience, or to avoid conflict. Being on the receiving end, however, can cause emotional distress and confusion.
It seems like everyone's guard is up in the dating world. There is a lack of effort and care for others — and no one wants to embrace their true feelings.
To avoid the heartbreak and drama, people are choosing to remain single. People are devoting their time and energy to themselves, not to mixed signals. With the societal pressure to settle down, it is important to remember that many people thrive while being single.
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