How to handle the slow pace of dating in preparation for marriage?

So I’m currently in a relationship with a guy I go to church with. He’s 17 and I’m 18 and we aren’t technically dating because his parents are a tad overbearing. I told him I liked him about 5 months ago now, and he told me he loved me about 4 days after that. We both love each other, but his parents are holding off on giving us their approval to date because he isn’t out of high school yet. So because graduation isn’t for another 7 months, I will have loved him for an entire year without being able to be branded as a “couple”. How do I deal with the agonizingly slow pace of Christian expectations? Are there any verses that might help me? How do I keep a good appearance?

Edit: I’d like to add that this is his first relationship. I have had one previous relationship, but it was ill advised and regrettable. I’ve learned a lot from that experience and am trying to apply my knowledge from that into this relationship. 🙂