there is a text and voice service I use.
called Viber
IT shows when the text is sent, Delivered and when the person is typing in return.
uses the data service of the phone. or WiFi.

Not the SMS of the phone company.

I use this because it does not charge OVERSEAS charges as she is in the USA and I am in Danmark.

 

Iphones show when the user is typing because they use imessage. Sad day android users don't have that

There is, however, a way to see if your message was read and if it was sent and all that good stuff, but only if you and your texting friend have the ability to request "read reciepts" which sometimes is supported on phones, otherwise check out a texting app called handcent sms, which has the ability to request read reciepts and delivery reciepts......

anyway it's not really worth the trouble unless you are obsessed with knowing this lol.

Use Facebook.