Whether you’re a guy or a girl, I think we can all agree that our generation’s meaning of feelings and determining relationships has changed over the years. Although chivalry may still exist, the way we try to establish what is going on with a significant other has taken a dramatic turn. There are different terms used when establishing a relationship status. We have all heard the terms “talking," “talking-talking,” “exclusively talking,” and “together but not together.” What do these terms even mean?

Talking

This is an awkward phase in the process of finding a relationship. You met somebody that you think you can be interested in, but you’re still getting to know each other. You both are trying to get a feel of what each other’s personality is like and if you two are compatible. What’s even more awkward is when you try to bring up the conversation about whether or not feelings are there for each other.

Talking-talking

This can mean any array of non-committed, confusing, complicated bull. When someone says that their status is "talking-talking," it can be assumed that they both have feelings for each other but they are not committed or it’s just a causal crush. It could be a pass for them to be with other people as well. This situation can be an emotional roller coaster. Any time feelings are involved, it becomes difficult to watch that special someone have feelings for someone else.

Exclusively talking

This means that both people are committed to only each other, but they don’t want the title of boyfriend/girlfriend. How confusing is that? If you like someone and only want to be with him or her, what does it matter if the label is boyfriend/girlfriend? To me, "exclusively talking" is a much longer title and sounds more complicated. It can also be interpreted that the other person involved only wants to hook up with you, but that’s an even more complicated issue. Most people are excited when they hear the word ‘exclusive,’ because it means that the people in this “relationship” won’t go around meeting other individuals. Either way, this can only keep us happy for a short period of time.

Together but not together

Now where in the world did this come from? Doesn’t this go along with "exclusively talking?" No. When an individual and their significant other are together, but not together, it means that their feelings have developed to possibly loving each other. Although they may love each other, they are still afraid of that commitment to just one another. What’s the point? If you are in love, people should want to embrace it and not be afraid of commitment. You’re basically halfway there with commitment if you aren’t seeing other people and loving each other. Right? Does this mean people want to be able to flirt with someone else and not feel guilty about it? I think so.

As the infamous Drake would say, “we live in a generation of not being in love, and not being together. But we sure make it feel like we’re together. 'Cause we’re scared to see each other with somebody else.” If this doesn’t scream our generation, I don’t know what does. He couldn’t have said it better.

Overall, there is never a definite line when we first meet people we could have potential interests in. There is always that question of what people’s intentions are versus what people are really looking for in life. Does this mean that our generation is slowly giving up on having feelings for anyone anymore? I hope not. Whether we want to admit it or not, we always want someone meaningful in our life. Please, generation… let’s not give up.