Relationship Types

Why is understanding types of relationships important?

There are many types of relationships, from familiar, platonic, romantic and sexual.

Understanding the type of relationship you are in is crucial for meeting your own needs, having clear communication, setting boundaries and expectations, managing emotional wellbeing, and planning for the future.

There are multiple different types of relationships that people often enter into that can be summarised into 4 categories:

• Situational Relationships
• Romantic Relationships
• Legal Relationships
• Toxic Relationships

Situational Relationships

Relationships that are uncommitted and sometimes unestablished, usually focused more on the sexual aspects.

Hook Up

A strictly sexual relationship that relies on sexual activity happening. They can start out as a 'one night stand' that progresses into hooking up, from dating apps or through friends of friends, and the purpose is to fulfil the sexual needs of those involved. Exclusivity is not common in hook-up relationships, which can increase the risk of STI transmission if sexual activity with other people is not communicated with each other.

Friends with Benefits

A strictly sexual relationship between friends that has no romantic feelings, expectations or commitments. Those involved can spend time with each other without it always having to include sexual activity. These relationships tend to not be exclusive, meaning communication about sexual health and STI risks are important.

Situationship

An ambiguous relationship that unlike friends with benefits, those involved are more than friends, but unsure of what they mean to the other person and lack clear labels. There might be inconsistencies and one-sided feelings which can cause anxiety or stress.
Situationships tend to end once the DTR (Defining the Relationship) conversation is brought up, either evolving into an established romantic relationship, or with those involved deciding to not continue seeing each other.

Transactional

A relationship based on the exchange of services, such as quality time or sex, for something of value such as money. These relationships do not involve romantic feelings. Someone who works as an escort or in the sex/adult industry would have this type of relationship with clients.

Romantic Relationships

Relationships where those involved have feelings for each other.

Casual Dating

A non-committed relationship where those involved enjoy spending time with each other without any serious or long-term commitments and expectations.

Monogamous

Also referred to as 'being exclusive', monogamy is a relationship between two people who are committed to each other, whether they are dating, engaged/married, or in a civil partnership.

Polyamorous

A 'poly' relationship is where each person might have multiple romantic partners with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved, or each person is dating one another as a group. These relationships are diverse and unique, requiring open communication, negotiation of boundaries, and a shared commitment to ethical non-monogamy. As with all relationships, using protection and regular STI testing can reduce the risk of STI transmission, and in a poly relationship it is just as important that pregnancy risks are also discussed, especially where there might be more people involved sexually.

A 'throuple' could be considered a form of polyamorous relationship, depending on its dynamics.

Open Relationship

A relationship that whilst both partners are committed to one another, having romantic or sexual relationships with others is allowed, whether they are dating, engaged/married, or in a civil partnership. Open relationships require honest communication between partners, and the establishment of clear rules and boundaries in order to try and avoid negative emotions and sexual health risks.

Long Distance

A relationship between partners who are geographically separated. This type of relationship tends to rely on communication via texting, online messaging and voice or video calls. The frequency of in-person interactions depends entirely on how far those in the relationship are from each other, if it fits into their schedules, and costs for travel and accommodation.
Due to the nature of this relationship type, it is important to be cautious if sharing personal information and intimate visuals with others across the internet.

Online Dating

Romantic relationships formed online through platforms such as dating apps, social media, online gaming, or public forums, that remain virtual. Those in online relationships would develop their connection with each other through online messaging, voice or video calls, and online activities.
Due to being strictly online, it is important to be cautious if sharing personal information and intimate visuals with others across the internet.

Legal Relationships

Relationships where two people are legally joined, establishing rights and obligations between them both including finances, assets, health and parental responsibility.

Both same-sex and opposite-sex marriages and civil partnerships are legal in all parts of the United Kingdom, however varies in other countries depending on their constitutions and laws.

Marriage

A legally recognised union of two people as partners, called 'spouses'. A marriage can take place in a relations ceremony if desired (but it doesn't have to) and vows are exchanged before signing a marriage certificate.  If a married couple wants to end their marriage, they get a divorce.

Civil Partnership

A legally recognised relationship between two people that grants the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but don't require vows or a ceremony to be registered, just the signing of a Civil Partnership Certificate. If civil partners wants to end their civil partnership, they get a dissolution.

Toxic Relationships

Relationships that are unhealthy and unethical for either one or all people involved.

Abusive Relationships

Relationships where a partner exerts control or harm over the other, whether emotionally, physically or psychologically. These relationships can involve experiences of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Co-dependent Relationships

A relationship where one or both/all partners rely excessively on the other for emotional support or identity, often leading to an unhealthy and sometimes unstable dynamic.

At SASH, we provide free confidential counselling and coaching sessions to improve your emotional well-being and understanding of consent and relationship boundaries.