There are many versions of dating, but the consideration of each other as a partner is at the heart of it. So, hanging out can be understood as a more casual version of dating. Its spending time with someone that you are attracted to, but dont necessarily see as a potential relationship partner.

Can hanging out too much ruin a relationship?

Spending Too Much Time Together Can Actually Ruin Your Relationship. These types of relationships, she says, “cause you to lose sight of yourself and to put way too much of your identity into your relationship. They lead to low self-esteem, poor decision making, giving up your goals, and even enabling.”