Why does dating slang keep growing?
As more relationships start through dating apps and social media, new slang keeps emerging to capture, quickly and cleverly, subtle relationship behaviors that were hard to describe with existing words.
Why is it helpful to know these terms?
Putting an exact name to a situation you're experiencing can make confusing feelings easier to understand, and it's easier to feel understood when sharing the experience with others. Still, it's best to use these terms as a loose reference rather than forcing every relationship into one of these labels.
Curious about your attachment style too?
If you're curious about the emotional patterns that show up in your relationships, check out the Attachment Style Quiz as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does experiencing this always mean the other person is a bad person?
Not necessarily. That said, if a pattern like this keeps repeating, it's worth carefully considering whether the other person might not be serious about the relationship.
Are these terms used the same way everywhere in the world?
Most originated in English-speaking dating culture, but they've spread widely through social media and carry similar meanings in many countries.