DATING
Nearlywed: The Trendy Dating Term That Riffs On 'Newlywed' In A Distinct Way
By BRIE SCHMIDT
If you haven't been a newlywed, there's a good chance you've at least been a "nearlywed." The term is defined as "a person who lives with another in a life partnership, sometimes engaged with no planned wedding date, sometimes with no intention of ever marrying."
According to data from Pew Research Center, Millennials are the most likely group to become nearlyweds, though this could change in the future as Gen Z-ers begin making their own decisions on relationships and family planning. Research has argued that premarital cohabitation may increase a couple's chances of divorcing later.
Research has argued that premarital cohabitation may increase a couple's chances of divorcing later, but when it comes to being a nearlywed or getting married, the choice is extremely personal. So celebrate whatever kind of relationship you have — white dress optional.