Hi TBJ,
In order to advance and turn this dating thing into a relationship, you should make sure that you have spent quality time truly getting to know this person and sharing your lives.
Also make sure that you are dating someone who is looking for the same kind of relationship that you are.
Spending meaningful time together and ensuring that you are dating someone who is also looking for a relationship is crucial.
If you take care of these areas, advancing from dating to a relationship would simply require that you ask the person if they would like to.