just want to clear up the misconception that you have to be living together. you don't have to be co-residing to be considered defacto. other things are taken into account. the whole idea that "if we spend less than 4 nights sleeping over we're not a couple" is a crock

yes, living together is a huge factor, but being deep enough into a relationship that you have joint finances, are seen by the community to be in a "marriage like relationship" etc... it's not as black and white as people think. look at my situation. DH works away (well was til last week) at least 5 nights a week - should i be classified as single cos he only shares my bed 2 nights a week??

TM - being in the early stages of your relationship, no one is going to expect you to be considered to be in a marriage like relationship - but keep what i've said in mind if things start to get "deeper"...

HTH