DTR

What Does DTR Mean in a Text?

image for DTR, showing heart made of question marks

DTR means "Define the Relationship." It is a term used in romantic relationships when a couple have a conversation about where their relationship is going (i.e., do they have a future as a couple and, if not, are they both okay with that?) The purpose of a DTR conversation is to gain clarity on whether both parties are on the same page regarding their connection, such as whether they are exclusively dating, continuing to see other people, moving towards a more serious relationship, or defining the relationship in some other way. This conversation can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both individuals have a clear understanding of where they stand with each other.

Check out our comprehensive list of dating terms.

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When I write DTR, I mean this:

meaning of DTR

DTR is a conversation about where a relationship is going.

Summary of Key Points

"Define the Relationship" is the most common definition for DTR on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
DTR
Definition:Define the Relationship
Type:Abbreviation
Guessability:guessability level 4
4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:typical user

Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at DTR

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DTR is classified as an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced one letter at a time. Other examples of initialisms are AI ("Artificial Intelligence") and EW ("Electronic Warfare").

Initialisms are different to acronyms, which are abbreviations spoken as words (e.g., GOAT ("Greatest Of All Time"), NATO ("North Atlantic Treaty Organization").

Example of DTR Used in a Text

DTR
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See Also

Search All Abbreviations Beginning With The Letter D BREADCRUMBING (sending messages in order to lead someone on, but with no intent of a serious relationship) CUSHIONING (maintaining alternative romantic relationships) ENTANGLEMENT (complicated romantic relationship) HARD LAUNCH (explicit announcement of a romantic relationship) LOCKERING (using academic studies as an excuse for cooling a relationship) MONKEY (someone who moves quickly from one relationship to the next.) NAME A WOMAN (women challenging their partners to name any woman on the spot) ORANGE PEEL THEORY (test of your partner’s feelings for you) SOFT LAUNCH (subtle announcement of a romantic relationship) THIRSTY (desperate for a relationship)

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