What defines cohabitation?

Cohabitation is specifically characterized by the living arrangement of unmarried individuals who are in a sexual relationship. This arrangement typically involves sharing a residence and engaging in an intimate partnership without formal legal recognition afforded by marriage. It reflects a lifestyle choice that many couples make for various reasons, such as economic factors, personal preferences, or the desire to test compatibility before marriage.

The concept of cohabitation emphasizes the shared domestic life and emotional intimacy between partners, distinguishing it from other types of relationships that do not involve living together or that lack a sexual component. In contrast, options related to legal marriage, temporary relationships without cohabitation, or companionship without sexual intimacy do not encapsulate the essence of what cohabitation entails.