A conversation between two people goes by many names. Most commonly, two people talking together are referred to simply as having a conversation or discussion. However, there are more specific terms that can describe two people in conversation depending on the context, relationship between the two people, location of the discussion, and other factors. In this article, we will explore the various terms used to describe two people in conversation and the nuances behind these different phrasings.
Common Terms for a Two Person Conversation
Here are some of the most common ways to refer to two people in conversation:
- Having a conversation
- Having a discussion
- Chatting
- Talking
- Speaking with each other
- Conversing
These are all broad terms that can be applied to any casual or formal exchange between two people. “Having a conversation” and “having a discussion” imply a more substantial, in-depth dialogue. “Chatting” suggests a more informal, friendly exchange. But overall, these terms don’t reveal much about the context or nature of the discussion.
Terms Based on Location or Circumstance
Sometimes the location or situation of a two person conversation leads to more specific terminology:
- Lunch meeting – Two colleagues or business associates talking over a meal.
- Coffee date – Two friends or potential romantic partners meeting casually for coffee.
- Bar chat – Two patrons conversing at a bar or pub.
- Water cooler talk – Informal conversation between coworkers by the office water cooler.
- Pillow talk – Intimate conversation that takes place in bed between romantic partners.
The location often implies the level of formality or intimacy of the conversation. A lunch meeting suggests a more formal business discussion, while pillow talk implies a private, romantic intimacy.
Relationship-Based Terms
The relationship between the two people conversing can also lead to particular phrasings:
- Lovers’ quarrel – An argument between romantic partners.
- Heart-to-heart – An earnest, intimate conversation between close friends or relatives.
- Tête-à-tête – A private or secretive discussion between two people.
- Bro talk – Casual, frank conversation between male friends.
- Girl talk – Casual conversation between female friends involving personal topics.
These terms highlight how conversations take on different tones based on the closeness of the relationship and the genders of the participants. The phrasings reveal the specialized purpose or intimacy that the conversation holds between the two people.
Professional Consultation Terms
When the conversation is a professional consultation between two roles, the terminology reflects those roles:
- Doctor-patient consultation
- Lawyer-client meeting
- Director-actor conference
- Teacher-parent discussion
- Counselor-client session
The terminology conveys that the conversation is focused on a particular professional relationship and service. It is more formal and typically involves one party providing advice, diagnosis, or services to the other party based on their specialized expertise and profession.
Government and Diplomatic Terms
Within government, politics, and diplomacy, two person conversations also have specialized names:
- Bilateral talks – Formal discussion between two countries.
- Summit meeting – Official diplomatic meeting between heads of government.
- Backchannel negotiation – Informal discussion held in secret to work out details before formal talks.
- One-on-one interview – When a politician or candidate has a conversation with one reporter.
These terms reflect the political, often sensitive nature of conversations that shape policies, treaties, and deals at the highest levels of government. The terminology conveys the significant stakes and formality of these exchanges.
Two Person Performances
Within performing arts and media, discussions between two people in front of an audience have their own vocabulary:
- Duet – A musical piece performed by two vocalists.
- Pas de deux – A dance duet performed by a male-female ballet couple.
- Dialogue – The conversational exchange between two actors in a literary or dramatic work.
- Banter – Witty, playful exchange between conversing TV or radio hosts.
- Interview – Formal conversational exchange between an interviewer and interviewee.
This terminology highlights the performative, artistic nature of these two person conversations. They involve spoken exchanges as part of a broader artistic work or medium presented to entertain or inform an audience.
Criminal and Legal Terms
Within law enforcement and the justice system, paired conversations also have specialized names:
- Police interrogation – Questioning of a suspect by police officers.
- Cross examination – Questioning of a witness by an opposing attorney in court.
- Plea bargaining – Negotiation between prosecutor and defendant to settle a case.
- Parole hearing – Discussion between a prisoner and parole board members.
This vocabulary reflects conversations that are investigative, accusatory, or negotiated settlements within the criminal justice process. The terms convey the legal stakes and adversarial nature of these discussions.
Conclusion
In summary, while any two people in conversation can be described as “having a talk,” there are many more precise terms that reflect the relationship, location, circumstances, and context of the discussion. The terminology often conveys deeper meaning about the tone, intimacy level, purpose, and societal roles of the two people conversing. So a full understanding requires moving beyond generic terms to explore the nuanced vocabulary around two person conversations.
| Term | Context |
|---|---|
| Lunch meeting | Discussion between colleagues over a meal |
| Pillow talk | Intimate conversation in bed between partners |
| Doctor-patient consultation | Professional medical discussion |
| Summit meeting | Diplomatic discussion between heads of state |
| Cross examination | Legal questioning of a witness |