Dating while there is no future together is perfectly fine

I think I am one of the few who really hates first dates. I don't like the tension beforehand, the chance of awkward silences makes me uncomfortable in advance, and the idea that you're going to see ‘if you can fall in love with each other’ (because that's ultimately the desired outcome of dating if you take it seriously) makes all that aversion complete. But once you've had a few dates together, and it's really fun, there's chemistry, but you both know that in the long run it just has zero chance of success. What then?

Should you cut it off?

Breaking off contact immediately because the chance that you will grow old together and everything that comes with it is negligible can be a bit exaggerated. It mainly depends on what it is that you are looking for at that moment. If you have reached a certain age, still want to start a family with someone and the whole shebang, then it can indeed be wise to put an end to it right away. But in all other cases where that time pressure is not there, it turns out to be a good idea to just keep meeting up with each other.

A short-term relationship can also be really good and fun

There are actually quite a few advantages to such a short-term relationship. Dating different people helps you discover what you really do and don't want, and in addition, you get the chance to develop your communication skills. Since it doesn't really matter how it ends, a fight or a discussion, you will feel more freedom to explore your boundaries. So it's educational for the long-term relationship you are ‘practicing’ for. But of course, it's not just about these kinds of (somewhat negative) things. It's also just nice to enjoy the moment. There's no pressure, no family dinners, no stress about future matters like living together or having children, it's just fun. This way, most people also find it easier to completely open up and be themselves with the other; the fear that your lover will think something of it is not there.

It's mainly about the positive experience together

As long as you both know that it's temporary (whether it's because one of you is moving abroad, or because your ideas about the future are incompatible), you can focus on making nice memories. A monogamous relationship without pressure in any way. And yes, eventually, there comes that moment of letting go. Silly perhaps, but that is also an educational moment. Fortunately, you knew from the beginning that it was coming, that probably softens the pain a bit. Staying friends will also be easier for you, if everything has gone well in consultation, the nice memories will prevail and you will only have positive feelings about your time together.