In relationships, a single person is one that is not married, or, more broadly, that they are not in an exclusive romantic relationship. A single man is often referred to as a bachelor and a single woman as a bachelorette (this term is used in the United States but is unheard of in Britain where they are referred to simply as single women). Single women are sometimes refered to as spinsters, but the term is considered pejorative and sexist.

People who are single typically engage in dating to find a partner or spouse. Not all single people actively seek out a relationship, however, as some are content to wait for the 'right' person to enter their life, while others do not seek relations at all.

Loneliness, however, can occur for many single people who look for but cannot find anyone they might wish to date, especially for those suffering the loss of companionship following divorce. Critics of this viewpoint point out that while single people may feel lonely, cohabiting and married people also experience loneliness. Some single people, however, regard and appreciate solitude as an opportunity.

See also

• Catherinettes

Interpersonal relationships

Single (Lebensform) | Célibat | alleenstaande | 独身 | 單身