In Chinese culture, relationships often progress through more clearly defined stages than in many Western cultures. The concept of 交往 (jiāowǎng) is a perfect example of this. When used romantically, declaring that you are “在交往 (zài jiāowǎng)” with someone is a significant step. It is much more formal and serious than the ambiguous English phrase “seeing someone” or “hanging out.” It implies an official, mutually-acknowledged, and usually exclusive relationship. It's the point where a casual connection becomes a recognized partnership in the eyes of friends, family, and society. Compared to the Western idea of “dating,” which can involve casually seeing multiple people, 交往 is almost always exclusive. It marks the transition from “getting to know you” to “we are a couple.” For non-romantic connections, it also implies a more meaningful and regular association than a simple acquaintance. You might know many people, but you only 交往 with those you have regular, meaningful contact with, like close friends or key business partners.
交往 is a common and versatile word used in various situations. The meaning is almost always clear from the context.
The word itself is neutral. The connotation depends entirely on the context and any adjectives used with it. It is a standard term appropriate for both formal and informal speech.