12 Relationship Milestones Worth Recognizing

Giving you all the relationship turning points, big and small

Co-authored by Hannah Madden

Last Updated: February 18, 2023 References

Everyone knows that having your first kiss or meeting the parents are classic relationship milestones. But what about those smaller ones that tend to get looked over? From the early relationship milestones that happen within a week to those later milestones that may take years, we’ll give you a list of moments that are worth looking out for.

Things You Should Know

Early relationship milestones include things like holding hands and giving each other nicknames.
As you get more serious, you might become exclusive with each other or meet each other’s parents.
Eventually, you’ll make up after your first argument and plan your first vacation together.
Traditionally, this leads to getting engaged and then tying the knot.

1

Holding hands

Holding hands is a sweet way to claim your partner in public. The first time you two hold hands, you’re saying to the world, “Yup, I’m with this person!” Not everyone enjoys holding hands, but if you and your partner do, this is a relationship milestone to look forward to.^{[1]
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- For most couples, holding hands comes within the first week or so of dating. This is usually in the first stage of dating, when you two are still getting to know each other.^{[2]
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2

Giving each other nicknames

A cute pet name shows that you’re learning more about each other. Maybe your partner calls you “Greenie” because of your green thumb, or maybe you refer to your S.O. as “Honey” because it makes them blush. These sweet names that are only for you two to use strengthens your bond and shows that you’re making memories together.^{[3]
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- Nicknames are like a version of an inside joke that only you two understand.
- For many couples, nicknames will pop up around the 1-month mark. This usually signifies they’ve entered the second stage of dating, when it’s all about keeping each other around and interested.^{[4]
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3

Engaging in PDA

Public displays of affection tell the world that you’re with each other. When you first start dating someone, it can be tough to gauge what they’re comfortable with in public: a kiss on the cheek? A peck on the lips? Once you two can comfortably touch, caress, and even kiss each other in public (if you want to), it shows that you are perfectly relaxed around each other.^{[5]
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- Keep in mind that not everyone likes PDA, and that’s okay!
- The timeline for PDA differs for everyone. It mainly depends on your comfort level and your partner’s comfort level.

4

Becoming exclusive

Defining the relationship lets others know that you’re off the market. When you first start dating someone, it’s typically okay to talk to (and even date) other people. But once things get a little more serious, it’s time to sit down and have the “What are we?” conversation.^{[6]
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- This might also come with calling each other “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” although that can be a whole other milestone on its own.
- For most couples, becoming exclusive happens 4 to 6 weeks into the relationship. This typically signifies the third stage of dating, when you two are getting more comfortable with each other.^{[7]
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5

Saying “I love you”

Those 3 little words signify your true feelings. Being vulnerable enough with your partner to tell them you love them is scary, but it’s one of the best parts of a relationship! Take all the time you need to figure out if you’re in love, then express your true feelings to your partner.^{[8]
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- It’s common for both partners in a relationship to say I love you at the same time, but it’s not totally necessary. One person just might need a little more time to figure it out, and that’s okay.
- Most couples say “I love you” after dating for 2 to 3 months, but that timeline varies for everyone.

6

Having sex

Doing the deed strengthens your physical bond. Having sex can come at any point in the relationship: for some, it might be on the first date, and for others, it might be after marriage. However, there’s no denying that having sex with a new partner is exciting and exhilarating, and it brings you two closer together.^{[9]
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- You should never feel pressured into having sex before you’re ready. There are a lot of reasons why you might want to wait, and your partner should understand that.
- For many couples, they wait to have sex until they’ve been dating for about 3 months.

7

Meeting friends and family

Meeting the family is a sign that things are getting serious. When your partner introduces you to their close friends, parents, or siblings, it’s because they want to keep you around long-term. Whenever you both feel ready for this milestone, take it as a big compliment and as a sign that your relationship is on the right track.^{[10]
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- Meeting the family happens on different timelines for everyone, but many couples save this milestone until they’ve been dating for about 3 months.

8

Having your first argument

Getting into fights is a fact of life, and your first one is actually a good sign. When you disagree with your partner, it shows that you’re not afraid of contradicting them or defending your point of view. Learning how to fight fairly and respectfully with your partner is a great skill, so your first argument is actually something to be celebrated.^{[11]
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- Most couples have their first big argument after being together for about 3 months.
- How you make up after a fight is just as important as how you fight. Be sure to come together and hug it out so you both know that things are good.

9

Going on a trip together

Traveling together exposes you to a lot of stress and anxiety. Planning the trip, rushing to the airport, and dealing with snags are all possible when it comes to this milestone. But traveling together also brings you closer to each other, and it’s a great opportunity to experience new things as a couple.^{[12]
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- While timelines vary, experts tend to see couples going on vacation together around the 7-month mark.
- Along those same lines, spending a major holiday together (especially if it involves traveling) is another big milestone.

10

Moving in together

Taking the leap to live together shows how serious you are. Moving in with each other signifies that you both see this relationship lasting long-term. When you sign a lease and hire movers, that’s when things really feel like they’re going to last.^{[13]
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- Most experts recommend waiting until you hit the 1-year mark to move in with your partner.
- Similarly, giving each other a key to your respective homes if you don’t live with each other is also a big milestone. It’s a show of love and trust that not all relationships have.

11

Getting engaged

Popping the question is 1 step closer to saying “I do.” When you make the choice to get engaged to your partner, you’re both making a commitment to continue this relationship for many decades to come. You’ve both decided that you want to share your life with each other, and you’re not expecting to go back on that choice.^{[14]
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- While getting engaged is a personal choice that doesn’t follow a timeline, most couples wait until they’ve dated for 2 or more years before popping the question. This typically signifies the fourth stage of dating, which is all about commitment.^{[15]
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12

Getting married

Tying the knot is a commitment that’s hard to beat. Out of all the relationship milestones, this one truly conveys your mutual love, trust, and respect for each other. Gathering your friends and families together to celebrate your love is the best way to acknowledge this beautiful milestone.^{[16]
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- After getting engaged, most couples wait about 12 to 18 months before getting married (and most of that is due to the time it takes to plan a wedding).