When did "single" start meaning not in a relationship rather than not married?

Single has always meant to me "not married" but it seems that today people use the term to mean they aren't in a relationship. This really sounds ridiculous when I hear a teenager say they are single again, being that most teenagers, especially 15 year olds have never been married. I believe single means "not married" .

When did "single" start meaning not in a relationship rather than not married?
I absolutely agree with you, and furthermore, I am completely irritated with people saying their boyfriends and girlfriends cheated on them or had an affair. Until you are married, you are supposed to be dating! the more the merrier! Until people say 'forsaking all others' it seems completely appropriate to sow your oats, so to speak. What people should say, when they are dating exclusively, is that they feel betrayed. Single is single, married is married, and single again means widowed or divorced. I'm with ya!
Reply:So do I .The reason they used from my point of view is that "single" is simple is short.
Reply:Im 26 and I've never heard the word single as in referring to not married... But hey... If they are 15 and say they are "single" then they are really not married.
Reply:its tru if you anit married you anit attached
Reply:when relationship is with a single
Reply:your dictionary sucks!
Reply:I dont know how old you are however since i can remember single has ment single only one no marrage or relationship which means two people together weather it is marrage or relationship
Reply:Single means u do not have a steady relationship with a man


at the moment. You do not have to be marry and then be single.


When a women says she is single, it means she is not dating or sleepin with anyone.


Even if she has men friends, she is still single if there is no


sexual relationship.
Reply:I think that it means when you are not involved with anyone.
Reply:The reason for this is somehow young people have crossed their wires and forgot that single and dating is not a relationship other then friendship. Relationships start when one or the other begin to court for the reason to marry. Now days they say they are in a relationship so they can justify having sex.
Reply:we both wonder d same thing..


like wen some peepz ask who here r single, i say i am! meaning im not married but im in a relationship..





it's confusing most of d tym
Reply:single does indeed mean not married. they should say "single but committed" to be accurate. couple could mean married or engaged or just regular bf and gf.
Reply:Taken somewhat literally, single means, not part of a pair. If you an adult who is by yourself or not involved with anyone, you are single.
Reply:Ok, believe it, but it wont stop others from saying it
Reply:single means not with anyone. not just not married and as far as I know it always has.
Reply:words change meanings with ages .single is not married nor ever has been married .it is in relationship to the gay movement they can not marry so not haveing a partner means they are single
Reply:It depends. You could tell someone you are single but attached. Usually people take "single" to mean "available".


Because that seems more logical than being "single" but "not available".


Probably since relationships have become more casual yet intimate now.
Reply:the western media effect.
Reply:Do you think you are the word police?





Are you 54 and "single"? You sound like a bitter old maid.
Reply:People usually say that they are dateing when they are with someone but not married, and use the term single when they are not with anyone. It makes sense to say that you are single when you are with no one because your literally "single".
Reply:they just elaborate the word...