In a relationship, PDA stands for Public Display of Affection, which refers to any act of intimacy between a couple that is in view of others. Examples of PDA include hugging, kissing, holding hands, or exchanging light touches in public. PDA can be a reflection of a couple that is secure and confident in their relationship, providing a powerful and public sense of validation. However, for some, PDA could be a way to overcompensate for feelings of insecurity in the relationship or a way to signal to other people that they are more connected than they might actually be. There is no universal rule that dictates what is acceptable or inappropriate in terms of PDA, as what is considered acceptable in one context may not be in another, and vice versa. It is important to consider the setting and who is around when engaging in PDA, and to be respectful of others comfort levels.