---
id: "relationship-definitions"
type: "concept"
title: "Relationship definitions"
summary: "A relationship definition is metadata describing allowed links — not a stored edge on a record."
problem: "Confusing definitions with instances breaks traversal expectations."
why: "Definitions make forward/inverse traversal predictable."
mentalModel: "Definition first; references second."
audiences: ["developers"]
related: ["relationship-references", "traversal"]
---
# Relationship definitions

A relationship definition is metadata describing allowed links — not a stored edge on a record.

## Problem

Confusing definitions with instances breaks traversal expectations.

## Why

Definitions make forward/inverse traversal predictable.

## Mental model

Definition first; references second.