a break
A break is when you say you need time apart, but it usually ends in a breakup. It’s like you’re both trying to figure things out, but it usually doesn’t work out.
We took a break. I dated my best friend. (She dated my brother.)
He said he needed a break. I said, ‘Cool. I’m moving on.’ (He didn’t.)
She said we needed a break. I said, ‘I’m getting a new guy.’ (She got a new guy.)