A long-distance relationship is said to take place when the couple is separated by a considerable distance. Such relationships can occur when the couple:
- Met through a dating service and live far apart.
- Met in an Internet community, such as a forum or multiplayer online game.
- Met while one or both was on vacation.
- Used to live close together, but one has since moved away (e.g., job, college, military)
Online dating and the internet have greatly expanded the opportunities to meet people from other parts of the world. Because of this, long distance relationships are becoming more common. Technologies including cell phones, e-mail, online chatting and video conferencing have also made it possible to keep in touch.