After exiting my last relationship of 3 years, I have recently began dating again. And I completely forgot how murky and unclear dating could be.

I've been dating (maybe casually?) a wonderful guy that I like a whole lot. He really rings my bell. Anyways, we've been dating for probably a month now, give or take a little bit. I say probably because we've never really talked about our relationship specifically. Before we started dating we discussed what we both wanted and needed out of a relationship, our general likes/dislikes, and deal breakers. But it's never actually been directly said that we're dating or exactly where this is all going.

Exclusivity has been implied, this being a more serious relationship has been indirectly indicated. Basically all the social cues indicate that we are exclusively dating at this point, but I kinda feel like I need to hear it from him a little more directly.

  • He takes me out to public places where he is well known
  • He sends me classic check in texts such as "good morning" and "good night
  • He spends both time and money on me
  • I've met all of his friends and some family
  • He's shown me pictures of his family and friends who live further away and told me a bit about them so I know a little bit before I meet them
  • He makes future plans with me, like... 6 months away kind of plans
  • He explicitly told me that he broke things off with his FWB before our first date because he's looking for something more serious

So, I feel like we're probably exclusively dating, it just hasn't been said. So, I guess my main question is: is it okay to never have the "what are we talk"? Or is getting a direct "we are this" a better idea? If it's important to have a clearly defined relationship how do you bring up the entire conversation without trying to lead or coming across as pushy or demanding? Thanks in advance!