The world of dating is constantly evolving, and with each new generation comes a fresh set of terms and concepts. As a millennial, you might find yourself scratching your head at some of the slang and trends that GenZ uses to describe their dating experiences.

To bridge the generational gap and help you stay in the loop, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to 10 GenZ dating terms every millennial should know. Whether you’re a parent trying to understand your teen’s lingo or just curious about the latest trends, this blog will provide you with valuable insights.

GHOSTING

• Definition: Ghosting refers to the sudden and unexplained end of all communication with someone you’re dating. One day everything seems fine, and the next, they’ve vanished without a trace.
• Example: After a few great dates, Sameer stopped replying to texts and disappeared without any explanation, leaving Jiya confused and hurt.
• Impact: Ghosting can be incredibly hurtful and confusing, as it leaves the person being ghosted with no closure or understanding of what went wrong.

Breadcrumbing

Definition: Breadcrumbing involves sending occasional and minimal signals of interest to keep someone’s attention without any intention of pursuing a serious relationship.

Example: Amit would occasionally send flirty texts to Tina, just enough to keep Tina interested, but never made plans to meet up or take things further.

Impact: Breadcrumbing can lead to feelings of frustration and insecurity, as the person on the receiving end is left hoping for more than just crumbs.

Benching

Definition: Benching is when someone keeps you on the bench as a backup option while they explore other dating prospects. You’re kept interested enough to not leave but never given enough attention to move forward.

Example: Chirag kept messaging Jessika occasionally and making vague plans, but never actually followed through, keeping Jessika on the bench while dating other people.

Impact: Being benched can be demoralizing, as it leaves you in a state of limbo, unsure of where you stand in the person’s life.

Cushioning

Definition: Cushioning is the act of keeping several backup romantic interests as a cushion in case your main relationship doesn’t work out.

Example: While dating Parv seriously, Mihika kept flirting with others and maintaining potential romantic connections as a safety net.

Impact: Cushioning can undermine trust and commitment in a relationship, as it suggests a lack of confidence and investment in the primary partnership.

Orbiting

Definition: Orbiting is when someone ends direct communication with you but continues to engage with your social media posts, keeping themselves in your orbit without actually interacting.

Example: After breaking up with Jiya, Aditya stopped texting but kept liking and commenting on Jiya’s Instagram posts, creating confusion about their intentions.

Impact: Orbiting can be confusing and emotionally taxing, as it sends mixed signals and prevents the person from moving on fully.

Love Bombing

Definition: Love bombing involves overwhelming someone with affection, attention, and gifts in the early stages of a relationship to win them over quickly, often followed by a withdrawal of interest.

Example: Rima showered Vedant with compliments, gifts, and constant messages for a few weeks, only to suddenly pull back and become distant.

Impact: Love bombing can be manipulative and disorienting, leading to feelings of betrayal and confusion when the initial intense affection fades away.

Stashing

Definition: Stashing is when someone you’re dating hides you from their friends, family, and social media, keeping the relationship a secret.

Example: Despite dating for several months, Nishka noticed that Vishal never introduced them to friends or posted any pictures together online.

Impact: Stashing can make the person being stashed feel undervalued and unimportant, raising doubts about the sincerity of the relationship.

Submarining

Definition: Submarining occurs when someone who previously ghosted you resurfaces unexpectedly, acting as if nothing happened.

Example: After disappearing for months, Teas reappeared in Tanisha’s life with a casual “Hey, how have you been?” text, as if they hadn’t vanished without explanation.

Impact: Submarining can be jarring and upsetting, reopening old wounds and making it difficult to trust the person again.

Haunting

Definition: Haunting is similar to orbiting but with a more eerie twist; it involves someone from your past frequently engaging with your social media content without any direct contact.

Example: Even though they hadn’t spoken in years, Amar noticed that his ex would always watch their Instagram stories and occasionally like old photos.

Impact: Haunting can create an unsettling feeling, as it implies that the person is still keeping tabs on you without making any effort to reconnect meaningfully.

Catfishing

Definition: Catfishing is when someone creates a fake online persona to deceive others, often for romantic or financial gain.

Example: Jai thought he was talking to a charming person named Tvisha online, only to discover that Tvisha’s photos and identity were stolen from someone else.

Impact: Catfishing can lead to severe emotional distress and trust issues, as the deception can deeply impact the victim’s sense of reality and security.

How to Navigate These Trends

Communication is Key

Understanding and navigating these dating trends requires open and honest communication. Whether you’re dating or trying to support a friend or child who is, encourage transparent conversations about intentions, feelings, and boundaries.

Set Clear Boundaries

Establishing and respecting personal boundaries is essential in any relationship. Make sure to communicate your boundaries clearly and be receptive to your partner’s boundaries as well.

Foster Trust

Building trust takes time and consistent effort. Be reliable, honest, and supportive in your interactions to create a solid foundation for your relationship.

Educate Yourself

Stay informed about the latest trends and terminologies in the dating world. This knowledge can help you navigate your own experiences or provide support and guidance to others.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you or someone you know is struggling with the impact of these dating trends, consider seeking professional help.

Conclusion

The dating landscape continues to evolve, bringing new terms and trends that can be both exciting and challenging to navigate. By understanding these GenZ dating terms, millennials can better relate to younger generations and approach their own dating experiences with greater awareness and insight. Whether you’re experiencing these trends firsthand or supporting someone who is, knowledge and communication are key to fostering healthy and meaningful relationships.

If you’re seeking further guidance on navigating modern dating trends or improving your relationship dynamics, consider scheduling a consultation with me. As a renowned Sexuality Educator and Intimacy Coach, Niyatii offers personalized advice and support to help you thrive in your relationships.