For most couples, holding hands comes within the first week or so of dating. This is usually in the first stage of dating, when you two are still getting to know each other. [2] X Research source

Nicknames are like a version of an inside joke that only you two understand. For many couples, nicknames will pop up around the 1 month mark. This usually signifies they’ve entered the second stage of dating, when it’s all about keeping each other around and interested. [4] X Research source

Keep in mind that not everyone likes PDA, and that’s okay! The timeline for PDA differs for everyone. It mainly depends on your comfort level and your partner’s comfort level.

This might also come with calling each other “boyfriend” or “girlfriend,” although that can be a whole other milestone on its own. For most couples, becoming exclusive happens 4 to 6 weeks into the relationship. This typically signifies the third stage of dating, when you two are getting more comfortable with each other. [7] X Research source

It’s common for both partners in a relationship to say I love you at the same time, but it’s not totally necessary. One person just might need a little more time to figure it out, and that’s okay. Most couples say “I love you” after dating for 2 to 3 months, but that timeline varies for everyone.

You should never feel pressured into having sex before you’re ready. There are a lot of reasons why you might want to wait, and your partner should understand that. For many couples, they wait to have sex until they’ve been dating for about 3 months.

Meeting the family happens on different timelines for everyones, but many couples save this milestone until they’ve been dating for about 3 months.

Most couples have their first big argument after being together for about 3 months. How you make up after a fight is just as important as how you fight. Be sure to come together and hug it out so you both know that things are good.

While timelines vary, experts tend to see couples going on vacation together around the 7-month mark. Along those same lines, spending a major holiday together (especially if it involves traveling) is another big milestone.

Most experts recommend waiting until you hit the 1 year mark to move in with your partner. Similarly, giving each other a key to your respective homes if you don’t live with each other is also a big milestone. It’s a show of love and trust that not all relationships have.

While getting engaged is a personal choice that doesn’t follow a timeline, most couples wait until they’ve dated for 2 or more years before popping the question. This typically signifies the fourth stage of dating, which is all about commitment. [15] X Research source

After getting engaged, most couples wait about 12 to 18 months before getting married (and most of that is due to the time it takes to plan a wedding).