cohabitation

Cohabitation is a living arrangement in which two adults share a residence and maintain an intimate relationship without being legally married. It can involve different sexual orientations and may be short or long term. Cohabitation is distinguished from casual dating or simply sharing a home with roommates; it often includes shared finances, household responsibilities, and a degree of emotional or sexual commitment.

Legal status varies by jurisdiction. Some countries recognize long-term cohabiting couples as having rights similar to spouses after meeting certain criteria (often called common-law marriage). Others provide separate protections through domestic partnerships, civil unions, or limited rights regarding property, inheritance, tax benefits, or partner-based eligibility for benefits. In many places, cohabitation does not confer automatic spousal rights, and couples may establish agreements to structure finances and parental responsibilities.

Demographic trends show rising prevalence of cohabitation in many regions, particularly in Western countries, often alongside delayed or avoided marriage. It serves as a step toward marriage for some and an alternative for others. Patterns vary by age, education, income, and culture.

Children born to cohabiting couples may have different legal parental-status in some jurisdictions, and outcomes for these children can be influenced by relationship stability, access to resources, and sociodemographic factors. Research emphasizes associations rather than causation and notes that stable, well-supported cohabiting relationships can provide similar environments to marriage.

Cultural attitudes toward cohabitation differ widely. In many European and North American societies it is widely accepted and increasingly common; in other regions and among more conservative communities, it may be stigmatized or legally restricted. The phenomenon is influenced by economics, social norms, and national family policies.