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What is the legal definition of a dating relationship?
A “dating relationship” is a romantic or intimate relationship, or a relationship that has romance or intimacy as a goal by one or both parties. A dating relationship does not have to involve sexual intimacy.1 It does not include a casual association in a business, educational, or social context.2
In deciding whether you and the abuser have a dating relationship, the judge will consider the whole situation and surrounding circumstances, including:
- whether you and the abuser formed an interpersonal bond beyond casual socializing;
- the length of your relationship;
- the nature and number of interactions between you and the abuser, including communications showing the intent to start a dating relationship;
- ongoing expectations you and the abuser had about the relationship;
- whether you and the abuser presented yourselves as a couple to others, either by actions or statements; and
- any other reasons that support or disprove the existence of a dating relationship.3
1 Utah Code § 78B-7-102(13)(a)
2 Utah Code § 78B-7-102(13)(b)
3 Utah Code § 78B-7-102(13)(c)
