A
relationship breakup, often referred to simply as a
breakup, is the termination of an
intimate relationship by any means other than death. The act is commonly termed "dumping [someone]" in slang when it is initiated by one partner. The term is less likely to be applied to a
married couple, where a breakup is typically called a
separation or
divorce. When a couple engaged to be married breaks up, it is typically called a "broken engagement".