meaning, things that must be existent in order to say that you're in one. even if you have them and you don't say that you're dating, must reconsider the status of your relationship with said person

• mutual attraction. both attracted to each other.
• knowledge that you like each other. you both have to know about the other's attraction. not a secret.
• dedication/exclusivity. you have to only have that person in mind and vice versa. can't be considering other people seriously.