Part of knapp's relationship escalation model, this stage can be thought of as the information-gathering stage of a relationship. while individuals still have not spent a lot of time together, it is at this point that they gather enough information, through casual conversation, to determine if either party desires to continue the relationship.

Experimentation.

Explanation:

Mark Knapp is a professor who has developed a theoretical model for relational enhancement which routes the different stages that two people go through in a relationship.

When two people are coming together, they go through five different stages:

Initiation: This stage refers to making an impression. It's all about making favorable first impressions. In this stage, the physical appearance plays an important role. Experimentation: This stage refers to the process of exploring the other's interest and other facts in order to get to know each other well. If there are things in common, then they will continue to the next stage. Most of the relationships end up here when they don't find common interests. Intensifying: The relationship intensifies and personal information starts being revealed, as this happens, the reaction of the other person is being analyzed too.  In this stage the interpersonal part of the relationship develops by nurturing. Integration: The relationship gets much closer than before. They might fall in love or find a close friend. The level of intimacy grows.  Bonding: The person announces their relationship to the world. They might make a legal commitment.

The question asks us about the stage where individuals have not spent a lot of time together but they gather enough information to determine if they want to continue the relationship.

Since this question makes reference to exploring interests and gathering information in order to take a decision to keep going, we can say that it refers to the Experimentation stage.