It's different for everybody and has played out differently in my dating history.

But basically - it usually starts when I connect with someone via an app/website like OkCupid or Hinge or Coffee Meets Bagel.

We exchange a few messages for a few days and set up a date.

We have a date. If it goes well, we have a second. If the second goes well, we have a third, etc.

There's usually a first kiss within 2-3 dates (sometimes ad early as date #1) and we'd first sleep together within 4-5 dates (or less, again, sometimes as early as date #1).

If the sex is great, have more dates that end this way.

After a few weeks, we have a conversation. "So, let's talk about where we're at.. I'm not seeing anyone else and don't plan to. I like you and wanna keep seeing you exclusively. Would you like to be my girlfriend?". And then maybe communicate some expectations about what that might mean, what your boundaries are, etc.

And ta-da, you have yourself a relationship.