breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is giving someone just enough attention to keep them interested, without any real intention of committing. The occasional flirty text, a like, a “hey stranger” after weeks of silence: those are the breadcrumbs.

What does breadcrumbing mean?

Like leaving a trail of crumbs, a breadcrumber drops small signs of interest that keep the other person hoping. But plans never firm up, conversations fizzle, and the relationship never moves forward. The person on the receiving end is kept on the hook, often without realizing it is deliberate.

It is the opposite of ghosting. A ghost disappears completely; a breadcrumber never quite leaves and never quite shows up.

How to use it

• “He texts ‘we should hang out soon’ every two weeks and never makes plans. Classic breadcrumbing.”
• “I think she’s breadcrumbing me. She only replies when she’s bored.”
• “Stop breadcrumbing him if you’re not interested.”

Signs of breadcrumbing

• Messages come in bursts, then disappear for days or weeks.
• Lots of “we should…” but no actual plans.
• They like or view everything you post but rarely start a real conversation.
• You feel more confused than wanted.

Related terms

• ghosting: disappearing with no explanation
• benching: keeping someone as a backup
• orbiting: watching someone’s posts without talking
• situationship: a relationship with no label
• red flag: a warning sign

See more terms like this in our dating slang dictionary.