Don't call it dating - Dating rule #4

The whole label thing perplexes me. Hanging out. Friends. Fuck buddies. Boyfriend-girlfriend. Dating. The list could go on.

Let me put it onto real-life perspective. My alcoholic friend I wrote about yesterday blames his current heavy drinking on his break up. They spent almost every moment together for seven months, but she was only his "home girl" and I'm not sure what she called him. If he never claimed they were dating, can you use a break up as an excuse? 

When two single people meet and spend time together, what do you call it?

Dating rule #4, whatever you do, don't call it dating unless you're dead certain you both agree on the right label.

6'4" guy said to me for weeks, "When are you going to go out with me?" Each time he posed the question amongst an entire table of friends at the local pub. Once I finally gave in, he refused to let anyone see a touch or a kiss. I said the word dating as I told him one of my rules of dating - not referring to us - and he scolded me.

"We're not dating," he said.

"I never said we were," I answered. And we weren't. Besides, outside of dating, scolding isn't allowed. Another deal breaker. Our label is a big, fat nothing.

I was at the pub last night with a small group of friends and 6'4" guy showed up. Someone mentioned that I had met someone in front of him. He was so interested. "When did you meet him? What's his name?" Then after he left, he sent me this text. Mr. No Label already has us labeled.

"I admit it was tough not to want to take you home. But I hope you and your new beau are happy."

I think the good guy I've been out with a few times and I are better off not calling it anything. Label-less. We're just going to be.

Love to the single girls,
Addison