10 Modern Dating Terms You Should Know About

In the past, dating was simpler, with terms like going steady, courting, or getting pinned being the norm. Dating language back then wasn't overly confusing. However, in today's dating landscape, there's a plethora of modern terms that can be challenging to navigate.

As dating has become more intricate, extending beyond the straightforward process of asking for someone's number, making a call, and going on a date, the lexicon of dating has also expanded. While you might be familiar with terms such as ghosting or DTF, there are newer expressions like cuffing, breadcrumbing, and haunting to consider.

If you're seeking dating advice, especially in the online realm, these terms are likely to come up. Understanding their true meanings can be instrumental in helping you navigate the complexities of modern dating.

If you've been in the dating scene over the past decade or so, chances are you've encountered one or more of these behaviors, perhaps without even realizing there was a specific term for them.

Personally, I experienced being ghosted before the term became widely popularized.

Many of these contemporary dating terms have gained prominence relatively recently, mainly because they are closely tied to modern technology. These terms often revolve around texting, social media, or online dating, which have become more prevalent than in the past.

The challenge arises when you find yourself wanting to understand why a guy is stringing you along or why a girl consistently likes your Instagram posts without engaging in conversation. However, formulating these questions for the online community might be tricky.

Familiarizing yourself with modern dating terminology to describe these situations can be beneficial. It not only allows you to gather more information about these behaviors but also helps you comprehend the reasons behind their occurrence.

# Ghosting

I'll begin with ghosting as it was among the first modern dating terms coined, likely the most familiar to you. Ghosting involves an unexpected and abrupt cessation of all communication. Out of nowhere, someone discontinues texting, responding, and may even go silent on social media. It's a cowardly way to end a flirtation, relationship, or similar connection.

# Haunting

Another term with a ghostly theme, haunting follows ghosting but with a touch more dramatic flair. After being ghosted, haunting entails subtly appearing in someone's life. Though they still aren't communicating with you, they might watch all your Instagram stories or like your posts.

# Benching

Drawing inspiration from baseball, benching refers to a situation where someone is present and waiting without any real action, similar to dating. If you've been benched, it means someone is essentially keeping you on hold without any genuine intentions, expecting you to wait indefinitely until they may decide to date you.

# Catfishing

While widely known, I included catfishing in my glossary for those who might be unfamiliar. Catfishing involves presenting a fake version of yourself online to attract a match. This could involve using someone else's photos, heavily editing your own, or providing false information about yourself. Some dating apps now offer photo verification to prevent this behavior.

# Breadcrumbing

Similar to benching, breadcrumbing involves sending cute, flirty, or flattering messages to keep someone intrigued without actually engaging in meaningful conversation or effort.

# Orbiting

A milder form of stalking an ex, orbiting involves lingering on someone's social media, liking posts, sending DMs, and more to remain in their virtual sphere.

# Cloaking

A more severe version of ghosting, cloaking goes beyond going radio silent. It includes the deliberate act of blocking someone on social media.

# Cuffing

Cuffing is the act of dating during colder months, finding someone for companionship and cuddling during fall and winter but often ending the relationship when the weather warms up.

# Left on read

Although self-explanatory, being left on read means someone with read receipts enabled has seen your message but chosen not to reply, a frustrating experience.

# Negging

Negging involves giving a backhanded compliment, such as "you're funny for a girl" or "I'm surprised you know so much about baseball when you look like that." It's about undermining confidence, only to be the person who uplifts it so that you seek their approval.