Dating as a millennial can be downright exhausting. I spend my weeks juggling dating apps , waiting for people to text back , and going on a bunch of generally uninspiring dates. As if that wasn't enough, it seems like a new shitty millennial dating term enters the lexicon every day.
It's just too much to keep up with. But you know as well as I do that keeping track of these ridiculous terms is a necessary evil, so I've decided to write them down and share them with you. Scroll down for a not-so-quick and dirty guide to 32 Internet dating slang terms. While their mere existence can be annoying, I'll admit that some of these terms are more useful than others, especially in certain situations—so I've grouped them as such.
Benching: verb Putting someone on the back burner; continuing to date them in a low-effort way, because while you know you're not interested in them, you think they might have potential. I think John might be a dud, but I'm not positive. I think I'll bench him so I can keep him around while leaving my options open. Breadcrumbing: verb Sending flirtatious but noncommittal text messages to potential mates every now and then to keep them interested without exerting much effort.
Guys, I just realized why Peter texts me all the time but never takes me on dates. He's breadcrumbing me. Catfish: noun A person who pretends to be someone else online, often to lure in romantic prospects. Cushioning: verb Flirting with several people despite being in a committed relationship, so someone's there to cushion your fall if things go downhill.
Lily, stop texting her! She clearly loves her girlfriend and is cushioning you in case things go awry! Ghosting : verb Effectively disappearing off the face of the planet without literally doing so. We had a great date, and then I never heard from him again—he totally ghosted me. It's like she's taunting me! Phubbing : verb To snub someone by paying more attention to your phone than to them. Please put away your phones! I can't stand people phubbing me.
