Dating Slangs You Should Know About!

Exploring the modern dating scene can be overwhelming, particularly with the plenty of dating slangs that have risen in recent years. These slangs are not just stylish terms but also reflect the advancing nature of relationships and dating culture.

Whether you're new to dating apps or a seasoned dater, understanding these slangs can assist you communicate smoothly and catch up with what's really going on within the dating world. In today's blog, we'll be looking at 15 dating slangs that you should know about.

15 Dating Slangs To Remember

1. Ghosting

One of the most well-known dating slangs, ghosting refers to the unexpected stopping of communication with somebody you've been dating. This usually happens without any clarification, leaving the other individual confused and often hurt. Ghosting can happen at any stage of a relationship, at the initial chatting stage and even after several dates.

2. Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is when somebody gives you just enough attention to keep you interested but not enough to move things forward. This will include random messages, flirty comments, or likes on social media posts, without any genuine intention of committing to a relationship. It's a way of keeping somebody on the hook without offering anything substantial.

3. Benching

Similar to breadcrumbing, benching is when somebody keeps you on the sidelines while they explore other options. They'll remain in touch just enough to assure you that they're still interested, treating you as a backup plan and not as their priority. It's a baffling experience for those who really want a committed relationship.

4. Catfishing

Catfishing is one of the more deceptive dating slangs. It involves someone making a fake online persona to lure somebody into a relationship. This may be done for different reasons, including entertainment, financial gain, or passionate control. The term started from the 2010 show "Catfish" and has since ended up a common term within the dating dictionary.

Don't know how to split the bill on dates? Check out this blog for some fresh tips!

5. Cuffing Season

Cuffing season refers to the period between October and February when people are more likely to look out for genuine relationships. The colder climate and festive season regularly leads to a crave for companionship and stability. It's the time of year when casual dating tends to take a back seat, and lots of people seek for somebody to “cuff” or tie down for the winter months.

6. Haunting

Haunting is a more recent addition to dating slangs and refers to when somebody from your past continues to contact and connect with you in subtle ways on social media, even after they've ghosted you. They might like your posts, observe your stories, or comment on your updates without actually reaching out directly. It's a way of being in your life without making a commitment.

7. Stashing

Stashing is when somebody you're dating refuses to introduce you to their friends or family. They keep you hidden from their social circles, which can make you feel like they're not serious about the relationship. It's often a red flag that they might not see a future with you or are dating multiple people.

8. Submarining

Submarining, also known as zombie-ing, is when somebody who had already ghosted you all of a sudden returns in your life as if nothing happened. They might send you a casual message or like your social media posts, acting like they never disappeared. It's a confusing and often disappointing encounter for the person who was ghosted.

9. Cushioning

Cushioning is the act of keeping several backup romantic interests while dating somebody, just in case the current relationship doesn't work out. This includes being flirty and keeping up casual connections with others to cushion the blow of a potential breakup. It's a way of making sure you always have somebody to fall back on.

10. Gaslighting

While not exclusive to dating, gaslighting is a manipulative move where somebody makes you question your own reality or sanity. In the context of dating, a gaslighter might deny things they've said or done, making you question your memory or perspective. It's a form of emotional abuse that can have serious impacts on your mental wellbeing.

11. Love Bombing

Love bombarding is one of the more intense dating slangs, referring to when somebody showers you with a lot of affection, gifts and compliments early within the relationship. While this might appear flattering at first, it can be a manipulative strategy to rapidly gain control over you. Love bombarding frequently goes before other controlling behaviors and can be a red flag for potential abuse.

12. Paperclipping

Inspired by the paperclip icon in old Microsoft Office programs, paperclipping is when somebody you've had a sentimental connection with randomly pops back into your life just to remind you they exist. They have no purpose of rekindling the relationship but need to ensure they're still in your thoughts, successfully cluttering your emotional space.

13. Fleabagging

Fleabagging is when you repeatedly date individuals who are completely wrong for you. The term is derived from the character Fleabag in the TV series of the same title, who regularly finds herself in riotous and ill-suited relationships. It's a cycle of self-sabotage that many find difficult to break.

14. Fireworking

Fireworking is the situation of somebody who makes a grand romantic gesture early in the relationship, associated to firecrackers – bright, joyful, but short-lived. These motions are frequently unsustainable and can set unrealistic desires in the long run of the relationship. It's basic to see past the firecrackers to see in case there's a lasting connection.

15. Slow Fading

Slow fading may be a slow way of finishing a relationship by gradually decreasing communication and efforts until it naturally extinguishes. Unlike ghosting, which is sudden, slow fading is more subtle and drawn out. It often leaves the other individual confused about what went wrong.

Why Understanding Dating Slangs is Important

Understanding dating slangs is important for many reasons. Firstly, it ensures you recognize the behaviors and strategies being used within the dating world, and lets you make more delulu-proof decisions. Secondly, it gives clarity and validation for experiences and red flags you might have gone through but couldn't recognize.

Wrap-Up:

Understanding dating slangs prepares you to explore the dating world more viably, recognize red flags, and communicate your needs clearly. Familiarizing yourself with these terms means a more advantageous and more satisfying relationships. Happy dating!

Download Idyll- The Perfect College Dating App!