Long Distance Relationship Terminology

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.