Hello rachel06

First I'd say that denuseri came closest in her reply to my own view.

Since I would say that those who swap the terms 24/7 and TPE simply are sloppy.
Claiming that they got a 24/7 relationship is claimed by everyone and their aunt in some circles. But if you get to view them for some time, you find that they actually are not, or just by talking to them.
Its extremely rare in fact, hope they are happy with it, but I have my doubts on the psycological consequences over longer times. It would cause total dependency.

Now for TPE, thats actually more common, even for those who live their separate lives in different locations during the weeks, and only meet on weekends. It can still be TPE and it is.

So for your question rachel06:

Have to give the answer from my own perspective, but it might give some insight.
I am going to date someone next week, and she have already said that she dont want me to become her master and she dont even want to be collared.

So I have gotten a clear message where she indicated that she's not interested for neither 24/7 or TPE, and if it works out it might end up in some more easygoing deal of part time submission.

Other ways you can tell is to say that you like the ideas, but dont want to get into deep water yet, since you simply dont know.

Anyhow your question show you got a lot of common sense, even I would wonder about someone who would offer full time and total submission from the start.
Yes there are some who say so, but I do view that as a declaration of a long term goal, if all other parts of the relationship works out.

WBR
Aibo