You'll know your relationship is real when...

You've made it out of the talking stage, gone on that fated first date and maybe even accepted their homecoming ask. But how do you know if you landed on the right bae for you-and if this crush is meant to go the distance? Tune into these lowkey signals that you're in for more than a passing fling.

- By Katherine Hammer

♥ THEY HAVE YOUR BACK. ♥

After bombing yet another pop quiz, you share how much you're struggling with your advanced math class and confess you might need to drop to the regular track. They not only listen but also help brainstorm solutions ("Hey, I know a great tutor!") without piling on the pressure. It makes you feel like you're able to get increasingly vulnerable about what's going on in your life...and have a safe place to seek out support.

♥ THEY'RE OK WITH LABELS. ♥

Situationship? Not with this S.O. They're perfectly happy tossing around terms like "date" or "girlfriend," and they don't balk when you invite them to your fam's Labor Day BBQ or go to cheer them on at soccer tryouts. Simply put, they don't play games. Even if it took some time to define the relationship at first, this crush is finally right there with you to *actually* give your coupledom a shot.

♥ THEY SHARE YOUR MOTIVATION. ♥

You're more than just somebody's crush: You're ambitious, athletic, artsy or whatever other hobbies/passions/successes keep you going day to day. Your S.O. doesn't have to share your interests (tbh, kind of better if they don't you get some solo time *and* have lots to talk about), but it's important that they encourage you to stick to your goals and grow on your own terms.

♥ THEY COMMUNICATE. ♥