Pre-engagement

Is "pre-engagement" a valid relationship phase?

The celebrity gossip world seems to think so. Perhaps you've seen headlines that Jennifer Aniston and new fling Justin Theroux are "pre-engaged."

What does that mean?

Well, it seems like a more advanced version of the good old promise ring. If you're familiar with Greek life, I'll compare it to lavaliering.

I doubt many real-life adult couples call themselves "pre-engaged."

For starters, the concept likely intimidates men. Also, if you're going to go through the trouble of creating a pre-engagement milestone, why not just get engaged?

Embracing a pre-engagement phase might better prepare some couples for marriage. I'm just not sure what pre-engaged couples "do."

Couples already live together and share finances without promising to get married. I imagine pre-engagement life resembles, well, regular life.

What do you think?