What does the term hard launch mean?

WHEN A couple first starts dating in the era of social media, the parties involved often begin posting about each other online.

Here, we explore the meaning of the term hard launch.

What does the term hard launch mean?

When it comes to a relationship, the term hard launch is used when one or both members of a couple explicitly announce they are together via social media or other platforms.

By sharing a photo of the two of them kissing or writing a caption referring to one or the other as "boyfriend" or "girlfriend," the pairing is being hard launched as a couple.

The term is often associated with celebrities officially announcing their relationships, such as Kim Kardashian posting an image of Pete Davidson to her Instagram profile and speaking about him on Ellen.

Another term closely related to hard launch is Instagram official, or when the couple makes their first post together on the photo-sharing app.

What is a soft launch?

Before a hard launch often comes the soft launch, or slowly revealing via social media that you may be dating someone new.

Examples of a soft launch can include posting an image of partner without revealing their face or name, showing flowers delivered to you without revealing by who, or even posting about a date night without giving away details.

In modern dating times, people often soft launch a partner via Stories before sharing pictures to their feed - something that can make things appear more serious.

Amidst a soft launch, a new couple may have the talk to DTR (define the relationship).

What does DTR mean?

DTR is a term commonly used when partners who are not yet official decide to have a conversation to see where their relationship is headed - are they dating, hanging out casually, or nothing at all?

When it's time to DTR, those involved are meant to discuss the logistics of a relationship, like if it is monogamous or if the title of "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" is wanted.

Some might suggest having the DTR talk as early as the first date, while others prefer waiting until further down the line.

The DTR conversation should take place in a spot where all parties involved feel comfortable, yet intimate.