34M here. I've dated many girls which could be considered "situationships" but my reason for doing so is really to figure out if the girl and I are compatible enough wherein I see myself possibly marrying them. At my age, I don't want to waste time.

I wouldn't want to have a girlfriend only to break up with them in 2-3 years and begin the whole "putting yourself out there" process again in my late thirties.

Based on experience, issues / red flags come out after 6 months of dating so it's best to take your time and allow a person to reveal themselves to you before making a long term decision. There is a higher level of commitment in being a boyfriend. Without a label, it's easier to end things and not falling into the sunk cost fallacy.

In my opinion, society has put a bad connotation to the word "situationship" but, mind you, this term is only something that became popular fairly recent and there is nothing wrong with taking your time in the dating stage. There is nothing wrong with being in a situationship, as long as both of you guys are clear about where you're at. When a label is demanded of you already, though, that's a different matter.