The long-distance community is a tight-knit group of people who share the unique experience of maintaining relationships—whether romantic, familial, or platonic—across miles and time zones. It’s a welcoming and supportive community, but if you’re new, you might find yourself struggling to understand some of the common abbreviations, phrases, and slang used by long-distancers.
This guide breaks down the terminology used in long-distance relationships (LDRs) so you can navigate the community like a pro.
Common LDR Terms & Abbreviations
General Terms
- LDR – Long-Distance Relationship
- LD – Long-Distance
- LDRR – Long-Distance Romantic Relationship
- CDR – Close-Distance Relationship (a relationship where both partners live near each other)
- CD – Close-Distance
- LDR Community – The collective group of people in long-distance relationships, often found in online forums, social media groups, and support communities.
- Long-Distancers – A term for people currently in a long-distance relationship.
Relationship-Specific Terms
- S/O, SO, S.O. – Significant Other
- LDB/LDG – Long-Distance Boyfriend / Long-Distance Girlfriend
- LDM – Long-Distance Marriage
- LTR – Long-Term Relationship (not necessarily long-distance, but often used in the LDR community)
- LAT (Living Apart Together) – A relationship where partners choose to live separately despite being committed.
- MilSo – Military Significant Other (a partner of someone in the military, often dealing with extended periods of separation).
- Nevermets – Couples who have never met in person but maintain a relationship through texting, calls, and video chats.
- End Date – The date a long-distance couple aims to close the gap and live in the same place.
Communication & Technology
- Camming – Having a video chat via platforms like Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, or Google Meet.
- IRL (In Real Life) – Refers to when an LDR couple meets in person, rather than communicating online.
- VC (Video Call) – A term commonly used for video chatting with a long-distance partner.
- Snail Mail Relationship – A relationship that thrives on handwritten letters rather than digital communication.
- ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) – The expected time when one partner will arrive for a visit.
LDR Milestones & Phases
- Care Package – A box of gifts, food, letters, or sentimental items sent to a long-distance partner.
- First Meeting – The first time a long-distance couple meets in person after forming a relationship online.
- Anniversary Visit – A planned visit that falls on a couple’s anniversary or another special occasion.
- Halfway Point – A location chosen for a visit that is equidistant between both partners.
- Closed the Distance – When a couple has successfully transitioned from long-distance to living together or in the same city.
Types of LDRs
- Long-Distance Open Relationship – A long-distance relationship where both partners agree to date others while apart.
- Monogamous LDR – A long-distance relationship where both partners are committed to exclusivity.
- Intercontinental Relationship – A long-distance relationship spanning across different continents.
- College LDR – A long-distance relationship between students attending different schools.
- Commuter Relationship – A relationship where partners live within driving distance but still have to plan visits due to distance or schedules.
Emotional & Psychological Aspects of LDRs
- LDR Blues – The feelings of loneliness or sadness that can come with being in a long-distance relationship.
- LDR Honeymoon Phase – The period when a long-distance couple is excited and deeply in love, often fueled by anticipation for visits.
- Reunion Anxiety – The mix of excitement and nervousness before seeing a long-distance partner again.
- Post-Visit Depression (PVD) – The emotional low that follows after a visit ends and partners separate again.
- Visit Withdrawal – The feeling of sadness after spending time together and having to return to long-distance life.
Long-distance relationships come with their own set of experiences, challenges, and victories, and with that, a whole vocabulary that may be new to someone just starting out. Whether you’re a seasoned long-distancer or just getting familiar with the LDR world, knowing these terms can help you connect with the community, navigate conversations, and better understand the unique journey of long-distance love.