I specifically turned down a couple relationships while I was closeted and undecided about transition, and one while I was just starting transition. I'm not saying this should be required, however I knew I wasn't ready to do so.
Personally, I think that planning to have a relationship with someone necessitates having some stability, and being open and honest. It's also a lot easier to upfront about being trans, in my experience, otherwise it made me feel like a cat fishing jerk. Disclosure can be tricky, it requires practice to get better at knowing the right time and remaining confident while doing so, rather than feeling like you're confessing a death sentence.
Dating without disclosing is doable, especially while closeted, I just worry that the people who do so are setting themselves up for catching feelings for someone unwilling to date trans people. I think it's easier to date while trans, if you are ok with being transgender. I hated being in the closet, I hated the first year of transitioning because I did it in stealth mode. It just made me feel like more of a fraud and put off building the type of life I want to live.
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