Situationship vs. Friends with Benefits: Understanding the Differences

Navigating the modern dating landscape is hard. As it can be like trying to decipher a cryptic love poem written in emojis.

Between swiping left and right in dating sites, the lines between friendship and casual hookups can seem blurred. This creates a dizzy array of relationship labels, confusing everyone. 

What distinguishes a “situationship” from “friends with benefits“?

Most people cannot tell where the difference is. And I’m not going to lie; it’s hard to tell them apart.

First of all, they sound similar. However, they’re actually quite distinct. Each represents a unique dynamic with its own set of expectations and complications.

Let’s explore the distinctions between situationships and friends with benefits. 

Understanding Situationships: What They Are and Why They Matter

A situationship is a type of relationship that lingers in a constant state of being neither officially dating nor truly just friends.

Yep, that’s how complicated it is. It really does defy definition. So a blurry line between casual encounters and something more meaningful has to be drawn.

You share moments of intimacy and may even have inside jokes, yet despite your shared experiences, you don’t refer to it as a “relationship.”

Key Characteristics of a Situationship

Situations do not have defined terms and clear labels. It doesn’t matter if both of you see each other frequently.

There is no boyfriend, girlfriend, or friend; it’s just hey, let’s do whatever this is. And this is despite shared intimate moments and a degree of emotional intimacy that might be growing.

One thing remains clear: limits and expectations are unclear.  

When you hear situational, think of an emotional rollercoaster. The two are inseparable.

One minute you feel like you are in a real relationship, and the next you are wondering what this is. And it can be a bit frustrating not knowing where you stand.

Do you feel jealousy when your partner interacts with others, or are you allowed to mingle? The ambiguity is a lot in short.

It’s a perfect relationship for people who fear commitment. Usually both parties might be hesitant to define the relationship for fear of what that might mean.

They fear that things might become serious and be expected to do things they currently do not have obligations to do in a situationship.

So most people opt for situationship to enjoy the casualness and the freedom from expectations. 

Well, it’s not situationship if the “What Are We?” question doesn’t come up. Because they don’t want to label what they are, this question threatens and haunts every situation. 

It’s the elephant in the room no one wants to talk about. It might even cause tension if brought up. And no one wants to address it.

So Why do Situationships Exist?

Situationships exist because of fear of rejection. Sometimes it’s not easy to take a step forward without knowing how the other person treats you.

Constant thoughts about how you may be more interested than the other party make it even harder. And rejection might mean you lose any form of contact with this person.

So this often prevents people from making a move and choosing to stay in situationships instead. 

Like I said earlier, commitment issues often serve as the ideal reactions for this kind of relationship.

Many people are simply not ready to enter into a serious relationship. As a result, individuals often opt for the flexibility and freedom that a situationship offers.

Sometimes, people find it easier to remain in a casual relationship rather than a serious relationship. They find comfort in.

Typically, it’s preferable to avoid the emotional turmoil that accompanies a genuine relationship. 

Another reason might be because the person wants to see if you are the one. For some reason, something feels a bit off.

Feeling is an alerting red alarm. And this is valid because you might be drawn to someone, but the relationship feels off.

Like you need more time to find the puzzle piece that’s missing. 

Situationship vs Friends with Benefits: Understanding the Key Differences

A friends with benefits arrangement is more clear-cut compared to a situationship. Here the labels are clear; there is no confusion; it’s straight up yes, we are friends who have sex occasionally.

Once more, individuals in a friends-with-benefits arrangement prioritize their friendship over fleeting encounters.

Friends with benefits relationships establish distinct boundaries, in contrast to situationships. I mean, the terms of the arrangement are clearly understood, no confusion.

They explore physical intimacy with a clear understanding that they are just friends and emotional entanglement is off the table. 

It’s straight up no strings attached; if you do, you are on your own.

The relationship is purely physical, and other shared experiences outside the bedrooms are purely friendly-based with minimal emotional investment. 

What I like about friends with benefits is that there is mutual understanding. No one is confused because, right from the start, they agree to the terms and boundaries. In my opinion, this ensures that there’s no misinterpretation. 

Also, friends with benefits have less confusion because of clear communication. There are no questions about where the relationship is headed. 

In conclusion, both situationships and friends have benefits and complications. But I think the key takeaway from this is that success in any relationship arrangement is open communication.

This is to have a clear understanding of each other’s needs and expectations.

For example, always openly declare your intentions. Explore your partner’s emotional boundaries and develop clear rules for establishing an emotional connection.

Everyone should be tuned to the same wavelength.

In addition, it is very important to pay attention to your own feelings. Don’t keep doing something just because you’re afraid of being rejected.

If something does not suit you and this relationship is a burden to you, then it is better to stop.