Average Relationship Length
How long relationships tend to last, from first dates to marriage, and the points where many couples call it.
Tools that go with this guide.
How long do relationships last?
There's no single answer, because it depends on age, relationship type and how you count. Relationships in the teens and early 20s are usually short. By the late 20s and 30s, relationships last longer and are more likely to lead to living together or marriage.
When do most breakups happen?
Research on dating couples finds that many breakups happen in the first year, as early infatuation fades and differences show up. Couples who make it past two years are much more likely to stay together.
How long do marriages last?
Among first marriages that end in divorce, the median length is about eight years. Most first marriages don't end in divorce. See the divorce rate guide for more.
Count your own
Track your time together with the Anniversary Calculator, check your odds with the Breakup Calculator, or test the foundations with the Relationship Test.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the honeymoon phase last?
Estimates usually range from six months to two years.
What is the hardest year of a relationship?
Many couples say the first year, as the honeymoon phase ends.
How long before couples move in together?
Commonly one to two years, though it varies widely.