As a society, we’ve come to love labels; they define what is, and what isn’t while creating a more black and white world. It should come as no surprise that relationships have come to possess there own book of labels. You’ve got everything form Monogamy to Polygamy, Open to Sex-less and countless other labels that couples smack on their relationships in an attempt to outline rules for themselves, and others interacting with them.

I’ve always been quite the observer, and after months of watching, questioning and digging… I’ve got a new label for you, and it seems to be one that is getting slapped onto more and more relationships, gay and straight. This new label has a broad definition and an equally broad label (that’s right, we’re talking about the label of the label). “Playing,” according to the dictionary “to act the part of (a person or character) in a dramatic performance.”

Meet Stan and Mike, a fictional couple I’ve met on more than one occasion at more than one bar. I’ll use them to elaborate on the term “Playing Boyfriends.” They put on an act for each other, but more important to them, is putting up an act for those around them, and even MORE important to Stan and Mike, is the “play” they put on for the people in their social networks (Just how many likes can the adorable picture of them at a pumpkin patch get?). Stan and Mike do enjoy each other’s company, but neither are ready to fully commit to a future, so they’ve always got their thumb on the home button, ready to flick on their phone and see if that hot guy from Café 12 has messaged them back on Grindr, Tinder or OKCupid.

For you see, Mike and Stan are in a “Playing Boyfriends” relationship. The meaning of the word “play” is really two-fold. Mike and Stan are putting on a “play” for the world to see, but they’re also “playing” games with each other, and the people they’re flirting with, whether that flirting be digitally, or in person (People still do that?)… someone is going to get their emotions played with. I can honestly say I’m not speaking about this because of some sort of vendetta, I am honestly perplexed on how a society is going to evolve when technology makes it easier for everyone to keep an eye out for the next best thing.

So next time you see a guy post a picture or status about how happy he is in his relationship, and then you see him on Grindr, or OKCupid, you know, just for friends… remember he’s playing boyfriends and someone around him is going to get hurt.