A break up, but not truly a break up, i.e. both parties still feel an obligation towards one another, engage in frequent phone calls and "meetings", and feel guilty about beginning to date other people. It is a psychological way of coping with the difficulties of a relationship by both parties distancing themselves from the relationship itself and allowing one another breathing room.

When a really ugly girl puts on a lot of make up to make herself look beautiful, then when it comes off, she's completely hideous.

A fake break up, used in many cases to liven up relationships or scare people who flirt with their friend's girlfriends or boyfriends.