The New Dating Terms Of 2019

With the prevalence of online dating more common now, I found that there is a whole new set of vocabulary daters are using today to describe their journey throughout dating. 

Here are some of my favourites:

Ghosting: refers to the brutal action of completely ignoring further communication from a person you once had a good interaction with. Chances are you or someone you know, have been ghosted before, whether that’s by a friend, a date or even your dog. I’m still undecided on whether it’s just cowardly or a harmless way to end contact. 

Orbiting: The unexplainable follow-up by a ghoster - they continue to linger in your life by watching every single one of your Instagram stories and liking/commenting on your posts.

Breadcrumbing: Borrowed from the tale of Hansel and Gretel, breadcrumbing is when your online conversations are going great until you’re lead by someone who has no intentions of meeting up in real life. Fine if you’re after an online pen pal, not so sure if you’re after a committed relationship. 

Friend zoned: The classic case of starting out with romantic potential but ending up being better as friends. An easier way than getting ghosted but nonetheless disappointing if you wanted more. 

Peacocking: A term used to describe heavily flattering social media posts. Profiles usually display the best 10/10 version of a person, designed to get the most attention much like a peacock spreading its glorious feathers. 

Catfish: One of the first terms to start the trend, catfish or catfishing is when you pretend to be someone else online. Whether that’s through using photos that aren’t of yourself or deceiving the person you’re talking to about who you really are. Usually, non-committal to meeting in real life for the fear of being caught out. Made famous by these guys.

Cuffing: When the thought of being single in the fall is too miserable so you get into a relationship just so you have someone to spend nights in with when it’s too cold to go out.  A Single pringle by summer.   

Sliding into the DM’s: In other words, direct messaging each other on social media. It’s the online equivalent of flirting, by liking each other’s pictures, commenting on social media posts and when ready, going in for the direct message.

Pied: When you get rejected after asking someone out, often causing embarrassment and fear being laughed at like a ‘clown’.

Stashing/benching: When you feel like the relationship is hidden. You’re not introduced to their friends or family or even mentioned on their social media. They might be “benching” you when they’re not ready to commit or looking for someone better to come along. 

Sidebarring: Not exclusive to dating, sidebarring is when you look at your phone more than the person you’re talking to. 

Wingman: My favourite of course, Wingman is the person who supports you when you’re approaching romantic partners. Here’s what to look for in a good one.