Dating

44 terms in this category.

A quirky but harmless trait in a partner, neither a good sign nor a bad one.

Keeping a romantic prospect as a backup option while pursuing others

Giving someone just enough attention (texts, likes) to keep them interested without real commitment

Creating a fake online identity to deceive someone into a relationship

The period in fall/winter when people seek a relationship for companionship through the colder months

Rejecting or deflecting someone's romantic advances in an indirect, non-committal way

Maintaining multiple flirtations as emotional "cushions" while in a relationship, in case it ends

Dating App Fatigue

The exhaustion or burnout that comes from prolonged, repetitive use of dating apps

Texting with minimal effort or enthusiasm, often one-word replies

"Define the relationship"; a conversation clarifying a couple's commitment status

When one partner in a new relationship gradually gives up their own interests to fully mirror the other's

Having an intensely passionate but chaotic and unstable relationship dynamic

Casually reconnecting with someone, often seasonally, without a serious ongoing commitment

Posting content specifically to catch a particular person's attention, referencing "The Great Gatsby"

Suddenly cutting off all communication with a romantic interest without explanation

A positive sign indicating a partner is trustworthy or a good match, opposite of red flag

Publicly and clearly announcing a new relationship on social media, often with a clear couple photo

Watching someone's social media or staying subtly present after a breakup or ghosting, without direct contact

An affectionately regarded man who is attractive, kind-hearted, and not especially cerebral

Presenting a slightly exaggerated or misleading version of yourself on a dating profile, milder than catfishing

When a text message is opened (marked "read") but not replied to

Overwhelming a new partner with excessive affection and attention early on, often to gain influence over them

Small, seemingly minor actions that cross emotional or physical boundaries without being outright infidelity

Approaching dating with very short, low-commitment interactions rather than traditional long dates

An extreme version of love bombing where someone convinces a new partner they're their soulmate almost immediately, then disappears

Giving backhanded compliments or subtle put-downs intended to undermine someone's confidence to gain influence

Continuing to like or view someone's social media posts after ending communication, keeping a presence without engaging directly

An ex reappearing briefly with a small, low-effort gesture to stay on your radar without real intent

A warning sign of problematic behavior in a potential or current partner

Hiding the fact that you're dating multiple people simultaneously, as if cockroaches hiding when the light turns on

Shooting Your Shot

Making a bold move to pursue someone romantically

A romantic or sexual relationship that hasn't been clearly defined.

Situationship (Rebound)

A relationship entered soon after a breakup, often to cope rather than for genuine long-term interest

Slide Into the DMs

Sending someone a private, often flirtatious message on social media

Gradually reducing contact with someone rather than ghosting abruptly

A low-key, often secretive romantic or sexual meetup, kept private from others

Subtly hinting at a new relationship on social media without fully revealing the partner

Keeping a partner hidden from your social circle and social media, often signaling a lack of seriousness

Someone who disappeared abruptly resurfacing later expecting things to pick up normally

A dating app feature signaling stronger-than-usual interest in a profile

Swipe Right / Swipe Left

Gestures on dating apps to indicate interest (right) or disinterest (left) in a profile

The early, undefined phase of getting to know someone romantically before officially dating

Pretending to hold more progressive political or social views than you actually do in order to attract a partner

When someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears as if nothing happened