What does a 'Fling' mean in a Relationship?

In modern dating and pop culture, relationships are rarely just 'married' or 'single'. There are many slang terms to describe the complex stages of romance. One of the most common terms you will hear in movies, songs, and gossip magazines is having a 'Fling'.

Question (Click to Flip)

Can a fling turn into a serious relationship?

Answer

Yes, absolutely. Sometimes two people agree to just have a casual, one-month fling, but accidentally develop deep, genuine emotional feelings for each other and decide to become a permanent, committed couple.

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Key Facts

Psychologists state that flings can be healthy for young people as they allow them to explore romance and figure out what they like without the heavy stress of permanent commitment.

If a married person has a secret 'fling' outside of their marriage, it is no longer casual fun; it is officially termed an 'Affair' or 'Cheating'.

1. What is a Fling?

A Fling is a very short, casual, and purely fun romantic or sexual relationship between two people.
The Golden Rule of a Fling: Both people secretly (or openly) know that the relationship has absolutely no future. They know they are not going to get married, they are not going to meet each other's parents, and they are not going to buy a house together. They are just having temporary fun for a few weeks or months.

2. Fling vs. Serious Relationship

Serious Relationship: Involves deep emotional attachment, heavy commitment, exclusivity (not dating anyone else), and long-term future planning.
Fling: Involves high physical attraction, zero commitment, no heavy emotional drama, and a strict, fast expiration date.

3. Types of Flings

The Summer Fling: The most famous type. This happens when two people meet during a summer vacation (like at a beach resort or a summer camp). They fall crazily in love for two weeks, but when September comes and they have to go back to their separate colleges in different cities, the relationship ends immediately without any heartbreak.
The Rebound Fling: When someone goes through a terrible, painful breakup, they often start a fast, meaningless 'fling' with a random person just to distract their mind and feel attractive again.