The first overall phase is of the development of the relationship to its (hopefully long-term) peak.

Initiation
In the initial contact early impressions are made. Although these may be inaccurate, they may well significantly influence whether the individuals want to progress the relationship to a further stage.

For romantic relationships physical impressions of appearance, dress, smell and so on are often important (for women too). General pleasantness is also important for social and business relationships.

Experimentation
If the parties show initial interested, they may next start exploring, looking for common interests, common acquaintances and other ground on which they can meet and share.

In business relationships, there will also be investigation into what each person brings to the table that will add value to the business of the other person.

Intensifying
With enough in common, the people now start sharing more private information and checking for reciprocal sharing by the other person that signals their interest in deepening the relationship.

This stage may also include spending more time together, gift-giving and declarations of affection. Advances may be made for further intimacy to test for the desire take things further.

In business, this may include negotiation and contracting activity that will lead up to value creation and exchange.

Integration
The two people now start seeing each other more often as they integrate a number of parts of their lives. Romantically, this may include sexual relationship and deep disclosure of shameful secrets.

In business, this is where they start working together with each getting value from the arrangement, often directly financial or that will lead to financial benefit.

Bonding
Finally, the two people are fully integrated in the bonding stage. Here they make their unitary status known