Exclusive, but not dating? What does that even mean?

Question

A few weeks ago, my s/o and I had a brief talk about what we are doing. He said he feels we are exclusive so I agreed and took it as we are dating. A couple days ago, I asked him if we were dating via text and he said negative, and reminded me he tried bringing up this subject a few weeks ago. Well we talked about this again in person and he said that he was been exclusive with me, hasn't been fooling around with other girls since we started to do so months ago, but he does not want a relationship.

The kicker: we went on a 4 day vacation alone in January, we go on dates (take turns paying for each other, he has bought me an NHL shirt, he stays the night at least once a week and has even began leaving a couple hygiene products here. Furthermore, he's met my family and I joined his for Easter lunch.. so I don't know what this guy is trying to say.

I think we are in a realationship, but I don't know why he's scared to use those words. Side note: My anxiety makes me feel I'm just a place holder until a girl he has (probably does) like wants to date him. I ask him about her and he agrees he is attracted to her, but says he doesn't think it's work with her and several of his male friends told him they think he and I are good for each other because of how loyal I've been since I've known him and he has ran around.

Answer

Sounds like he wants just the fun part with no strings. Also wants to be exclusive so neither of you are sleeping around.  Doesnt want a serious relationship.  I know a lot of people who date this way. But they all understand it's not going anywhere.

I think you need to be honest with him and yourself.  Do you want a relationshio that may develop into something deeper? If so you need to tell him that. Otherwise it's not fair for either of you.

Answer

I means hes not fucking anyone else, but you arent his girlfriend.

Answer

You're basically there so he can get what he wants when he needs it and it will continue to be that way until he finds someone he likes more

Answer

Him saying he doesn't want a relationship is going to go on forever if you let it. Why buy the cow if you can milk it for free?! (A saying all the old folk use lol) I was this girl and when he decided to mess w other people it wasn't technically cheating no matter how I felt he stated "I don't want a relationship" it gets old find you someone ready and willing to commit, that's obviously what you want so why settle for someone else's view when there are plenty of people out there who can and will commit

Answer

He doesn't want to be fully committed because he doesn't know what or who he truly wants.  U seem to want to settle but he doesn't.

Answer

sounds like ur friends with benefits. why put up with this

Answer

I lost my virginity to to my fwb we are friends who exclusively hook up everyone knows & i mean it's been deeper than that but for the most part it was always friends who have sex & stuff... we went on trips together & he acted like a boyfriend but i mean no issues with it exclusive but not in a relationship

Exclusive, but not dating? What does that even mean?

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