Modern dating comes with its own vocabulary, most of it born on dating apps, TikTok and group chats. If someone says they are in a situationship, got breadcrumbed, or spotted a red flag on the second date, this guide explains what they mean. Open any term for the full entry with examples, warning signs and where the word came from.

Relationship status

• situationship: a romantic relationship with no clear label.
• simp: someone who does way too much for a person they are attracted to.
• talking stage: the early phase of texting and dating before anything is official.
• cuffing season: the colder months, when singles suddenly want a partner.
• sneaky link: someone you’re secretly seeing.

Disappearing acts and mixed signals

• ghosting: suddenly cutting off all contact with no explanation.
• breadcrumbing: giving just enough attention to keep someone hooked.
• benching: keeping someone as a backup option.
• orbiting: not talking to you, but watching everything you post.
• zombieing: when someone who ghosted you comes back as if nothing happened.
• pocketing: keeping a partner hidden from friends, family and social media.
• dry texter: someone whose replies are short, flat and low-effort.

Signs and signals

• red flag: a warning sign that someone could be bad news.
• green flag: a sign that someone is a good, healthy match.
• beige flag: a quirky habit that is neither good nor bad.
• the ick: a sudden turn-off, often over something small.

Going public (or not)

• soft launch: hinting at a new relationship online without showing who it is.
• hard launch: openly revealing a relationship, face and all.

Crushes, charm and trying too hard

• unspoken rizz: charm that works without words.
• thirst trap: a photo or video posted to get attention.
• down bad: hopelessly into someone who isn’t into you.
• pick-me: someone who tries too hard to win approval, often by putting others down.

Warning: manipulation

• love bombing: overwhelming affection early on, used to gain control.
• catfish: someone using a fake identity online, often to start a romance.

Why these words matter

A lot of dating slang is just fun, like comparing beige flags with friends. But some of it names real patterns, such as love bombing or catfishing, that are worth recognizing early. Having a word for something makes it easier to spot, talk about and, when needed, walk away from.

We add new entries to this page as they are published.