Short-term relationship
Meaning
A romantic or sexual liaison that is brief in duration and typically lacks a long-term commitment.
Origin
The phrase "short-term relationship" is a straightforward descriptive term, a compound of "short-term" (meaning lasting only a brief period) and "relationship." While the idea of temporary romantic or sexual connections is as old as humanity itself, the explicit phrasing and widespread use of "short-term relationship" to categorize such liaisons became prevalent in the 20th century. As modern societies moved beyond strictly traditional views of marriage and commitment, there was a need for clear language to describe the diverse forms of romantic and intimate connections emerging. This term arose from the evolving lexicon of social science and popular culture, providing a concise label for intimate associations not intended for permanence, perfectly capturing a modern approach to dating and commitment.
Examples
- After college, she decided to focus on her career and only engaged in short-term relationships.
- They both knew from the start that their connection was just a short-term relationship, enjoying the present without future expectations.