The two month rule. While of course its different for everyone, according to relationship psychologist and data analyst Claire Stott, 2 months is an optimum amount of time for the average couple to date before they start a relationship.

How many dates before things become official?

If a couple goes on one date a week, thats anywhere from 10 to 12 dates before they establish exclusivity, according to the survey. Say, schedules allow a couple to see each other more than once a week, that means it could even take 24 dates before exclusivity.