noviazgos

Noviazgo is a social and cultural institution referring to the state or period of a romantic relationship between two people, typically between adolescence and adulthood, and often preceding engagement or marriage in many Spanish-speaking cultures. The term derives from novios or novia, meaning boyfriend/girlfriend and fiancé, and denotes both the relationship and its social recognition.

Historically, noviazgo has included formal rituals, family involvement, and public acknowledgment of a couple's commitment. In many countries, the period is used to assess compatibility, shared values, and long-term intentions; in some communities it may entail parental input or approval, especially for younger couples.

Contemporary understandings vary widely. Some couples view noviazgo as a casual, non-exclusive dating stage, while others maintain a more formal, exclusive commitment akin to an engagement. The rise of digital communication has changed how noviazgos form and sustain themselves, through messaging, social media, and dating apps, while also introducing new dynamics around privacy and boundaries.

Social norms around noviazgo differ by culture and socioeconomic context, with gender roles and expectations shaping courting behavior, expressions of affection, and the pace of progression toward cohabitation or marriage. In academic literature, noviazgo is examined as part of development, identity formation, and relationship education.