Thats a really good idea for a deep relationship, not just movies. An emotional commitment but not ready to be engaged or married. Good idea for teenagers/highschoolers. A promise ring is almost there but thats still a big commitment. A term that represents a strong bond but respects age, legal bounderies and current living situations or educational circumstances etc. No ideas on what to call it, but thats a terrific idea.

It use to be called 'going steady.' The couple traded tokens. In high-school my girlfriend wore my varsity sweater.

sure... relationship steps.... I also believe in a step between engagement and marriage.... a trial marriage, if you will (it might lessen divorce!) proposed list of relationship steps: 1.) interested friends (getting to know you) 2.) seeing each other (talking... maybe go out for coffee, getting to know each other better) 3.) dating-(going out to the movies, kissing, hugging, dinner dates) 4.) Going steady-committed (making out, heavy petting, perhaps considering proposal) Not engaged but more than bf/gf. 5.) proposal state ( considering proposal, the proposal and the area after where your mind fights with you on whether or not this is the right decision.) 6.) engagement ( I believe in sex at this point, but hey if you want to wait, do it.... I have done the good girl thing and am now awaiting divorce.... I didn't wait so long with mhy new bf... whatever works for you.... I suggest bieng at least here if you are under 17. I recommend no sex before age 16 or 17, at all.... I am biased, I was 19.) 7.) Trial marriage.... (like a temporary handfasting (there are two types of handfasting, temporary and permanent)... lasts a year and a day and binds spiritually.... but with no legally binding documentation. After a year and a day the relationship can be rededicated, or dissolved) 8.) real marriage (or a permanent handfasting) To me this is better than dating, engaged, married..... this would take longer and help you decide if you really want to be married to said person.