Psychology Today | 25.11.2025 00:22
Casual romance is often defined by companionship without commitment—enjoying the present, not planning the future. For many casual partners, flexibility means freedom, and when it comes to commitment, less is more. But in many cases, one of the dating partners begins to develop deeper feelings and a desire to take the relationship to the next level. Not wanting to scare off a noncommitted partner, how does one explore the possibility of permanence? Fortunately, studies have explored the factors that determine whether and when a couple decides to move a relationship to the next level. Research explains.
