verkering

Verkering is a Dutch term for a romantic relationship between two people. It typically denotes a level of commitment beyond casual dating and is commonly used to describe a boyfriend–girlfriend arrangement. The word is primarily used in the Netherlands and Flanders, and it is most often associated with adolescents and young adults, though it can apply to people of any age.

Usage and social context: When two people are in verkering, they are described as a couple and may introduce each other to friends and family as their partner. The relationship is usually understood to be exclusive, though the exact degree of commitment varies and may change over time. The phase can be marked by shared social activities, regular communication about expectations, and gradually increasing levels of closeness.

Relation to other terms: In more formal or adult language, the broader word relatie is used to describe any ongoing romantic partnership, including long-term or marriage-minded relationships. Daten or dating can refer to casual or exploratory dating. The use of verkering has evolved with social norms, and regional or generational differences mean that some people use it less frequently or interchangeably with termen like een relatie hebben.