“Talking” as a Romantic Interaction: Is There Consensus?

Abstract

Emerging adults (EAs) use many phrases to refer to their romantic interactions. In two studies (N₁ = 110; N₂ = 222), EAs’ knowledge and perceptions of “talking” were examined. In Study 1, a majority of college students had heard of “talking,” and perceived “talking” as distinct from “friends with benefits” (FWB) and dating. In Study 2, about half of a broader EA sample had heard of “talking” and perceived “talking” as being significantly less emotionally and physically intimate, and less committed than dating; they did, however, perceived “talking” to be similar in some ways to being FWB. Additionally, EAs varied in their agreement regarding the what, why, and how of “talking.” Incorporating these results into youth relationship education programs may be beneficial to promoting healthy relationship development and reducing relational uncertainty.

Keywords:

• Relationship types
• intimacy
• dating
• commitment
• emerging adults
• talking

Author note

Darcey N. Powell, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Roanoke College, ORCID: 0000-0001-6076-9741; Gili Freedman, Department of Psychology, Roanoke College, ORCID: 0000-0002-7006-9674; Katherine Jensen, Department of Psychology, Roanoke College; Victoria Preston, Department of Psychology, Roanoke College.

Gili Freedman is now an Assistant Professor at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Katherine Jensen graduated from Roanoke College in May 2017. Victoria Preston graduated from Roanoke College in December 2017.

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. The authors are grateful to Benjamin Le and Kipling Williams for their feedback on and assistance with the second study.