13 Modern Dating Terms Explained

Dating in the 21st century can be confusing and frustrating, especially with the emergence of new slang terms and acronyms that describe the various behaviors and situations that people encounter in the online dating scene. Here are 13 of the most common modern dating terms explained, so you can navigate the dating world with more confidence and clarity.

-Ghosting

Ghosting is when someone you are dating or interested in suddenly cuts off all contact with you, without any explanation or warning. They stop responding to your messages, calls, or social media interactions, and act as if you never existed. Ghosting can be very hurtful and confusing, as you are left wondering what went wrong and why they disappeared.

-Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is when someone you are dating or interested in gives you just enough attention and communication to keep you interested, but not enough to commit or move the relationship forward. They may send you sporadic messages, compliments, or likes, but never make concrete plans or follow through with them. Breadcrumbing can be very frustrating and misleading, as you are led on by false hope and mixed signals.

-Benching

Benching is when someone you are dating or interested in puts you on the back burner, while they explore other options or keep you as a backup plan. They may occasionally check in with you, but never make any effort to see you or progress the relationship. Benching can be very disrespectful and unfair, as you are treated as a second choice or a placeholder.

-Cushioning

Cushioning is when someone you are dating or interested in keeps in touch with other potential romantic interests, while still being in a relationship with you. They may flirt, message, or date other people, but never end things with you. Cushioning can be very dishonest and unfaithful, as you are cheated on or lied to by your partner.

-Zombieing

Zombieing is when someone who ghosted you in the past suddenly reappears in your life, without any apology or explanation. They may act as if nothing happened, and try to resume the relationship or friendship as before. Zombieing can be very shocking and annoying, as you are confronted by someone who hurt you or ignored you before.

-Haunting

Haunting is when someone who ghosted you or ended the relationship with you still lingers in your online presence, without directly contacting you. They may watch your stories, like your posts, or follow your accounts, but never initiate a conversation or acknowledge their actions. Haunting can be very creepy and unsettling, as you are stalked by someone who is no longer in your life.

-Catfishing

Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online identity or profile, in order to deceive or manipulate others. They may use someone else’s photos, name, or personal information, and pretend to be someone they are not. Catfishing can be very dangerous and harmful, as you are tricked or scammed by someone who has ulterior motives or malicious intentions.

-Orbiting

Orbiting is when someone who ghosted you or ended the relationship with you still remains in your social circle, without directly interacting with you. They may attend the same events, hang out with the same friends, or join the same groups, but never talk to you or acknowledge you. Orbiting can be very awkward and uncomfortable, as you are forced to see someone who is no longer part of your life.

-Submarining

Submarining is when someone who ghosted you or disappeared from your life for a long time suddenly resurfaces, without any apology or explanation. They may act as if nothing happened, and try to reconnect with you or restart the relationship. Submarining can be very rude and presumptuous, as you are expected to forgive and forget someone who abandoned you or neglected you before.

-Slow Fade

Slow Fade is when someone you are dating or interested in gradually reduces the frequency and quality of communication and interaction with you, until they eventually disappear from your life. They may take longer to reply, cancel plans, or make excuses, but never directly end the relationship or tell you how they feel. Slow Fade can be very cowardly and ambiguous, as you are left wondering where you stand and what went wrong.

-Love Bombing

Love Bombing is when someone you are dating or interested in showers you with excessive attention, affection, and praise, in order to win you over or manipulate you. They may act very charming, romantic, or devoted, but also very possessive, controlling, or demanding. Love Bombing can be very flattering and overwhelming, as you are swept off your feet or pressured by someone who has ulterior motives or hidden agendas.

-Stashing

Stashing is when someone you are dating or interested in hides you from their friends, family, or social media, as if they are ashamed of you or the relationship. They may never introduce you to anyone, never post any photos of you, or never acknowledge your status. Stashing can be very insulting and hurtful, as you are treated as a secret or a temporary fling.

-Gaslighting

Gaslighting is when someone you are dating or interested in manipulates you by making you doubt your own reality, memory, or sanity. They may lie, deny, or twist the truth, and make you feel guilty, confused, or crazy. Gaslighting can be very abusive and damaging, as you are undermined or brainwashed by someone who is trying to control you or cover up their wrongdoings.

Conclusion

Understanding these terms not only helps navigate the complex world of modern dating but also empowers individuals to communicate their experiences more effectively. As the dating landscape continues to evolve, so too will the vocabulary we use to describe it. Remember, you deserve to be treated with respect and honesty in any relationship, and you should never settle for less than what you want and need. 💕