The three main categories are healthy, unhealthy, and abusive but a relationship can also be somewhere else along the spectrum, like being between healthy and unhealthy. All relationships fall somewhere on this spectrum and relationships can move forwards and backwards on it.

Often, abusive relationships go through something called the “Cycle of Abuse,” where there are three phases that repeat over varying time frames. Each phase can last anywhere from hours to years. If you see this cycle happening, it’s an indication of an abusive relationship. Someone may be experiencing dating abuse even if this pattern isn’t present.

Rights and responsibilities are important because they help set boundaries in relationships and make sure relationships stay healthy. In a relationship, you have the right to be treated in a certain way, and the responsibility to treat others in a certain way. People in a relationship should treat each other in a way that makes them both feel safe and respected.