The dating world has always been a bit of a mystery, but with the rise of technology and social media, it has become even more complicated. From ghosting to breadcrumbing, there are a variety of new terms that have emerged to describe the various ways people can be hurtful or confusing in modern dating. In this article, we’ll decode some of these modern dating terms and explore what they mean and how they can impact relationships.
Ghosting: Ghosting is perhaps one of the most well-known modern dating terms. It refers to the act of abruptly cutting off all communication with someone you’ve been dating or talking to, without any explanation. This can be incredibly hurtful and confusing for the person on the receiving end, as they’re left wondering what they did wrong or what happened to end the relationship.
While ghosting can be tempting in the moment, it’s important to remember that it’s ultimately a cowardly and disrespectful way to handle a relationship. If you’re not interested in continuing to date someone, it’s better to be honest and upfront about your feelings rather than simply disappearing.
Breadcrumbing: Breadcrumbing is a term used to describe the act of leading someone on by giving them just enough attention or affection to keep them interested, without actually committing to a relationship. This can include sending flirtatious messages, going on occasional dates, or even making plans for the future, only to back out at the last minute.
Breadcrumbing can be especially hurtful because it can create false hope for the person being led on. They may feel like there is potential for a relationship, only to be disappointed time and time again when the other person fails to follow through.
Zombieing: Zombieing is a term used to describe when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears in your life, often months or even years later. This can be incredibly confusing and can reignite feelings that you thought were long gone.
While it’s tempting to want to give someone who has zombie’d you another chance, it’s important to remember why they ghosted you in the first place. If they’re not willing to be upfront and honest about their feelings and intentions, it’s unlikely that the relationship will be successful.
Haunting: Haunting is similar to zombieing, but instead of reappearing in your life, the person who ghosted you continues to lurk in your social media feeds or interact with your posts, even though they’re no longer a part of your life. This can be incredibly frustrating and can make it difficult to move on from the relationship.
If you find yourself being haunted by someone you used to date, it’s important to set boundaries and limit their access to your social media. You deserve to be able to move on and focus on your own life without being reminded of someone who has hurt you.
Benching: Benching is a term used to describe when someone keeps you on the sidelines, giving you just enough attention to keep you interested, but never actually committing to a relationship. This can be especially frustrating because it can feel like you’re never quite good enough to be their top choice.
If you find yourself being benched by someone you’re dating, it’s important to have a conversation with them about your expectations and what you’re looking for in a relationship. If they’re not willing to meet you halfway, it may be time to move on and find someone who is.
Modern dating terminology can be confusing and frustrating, but it’s important to remember that at the end of the day, relationships should be based on honesty, respect, and communication. If you find yourself experiencing any of the behaviors described above, it’s important to have a conversation with the person you’re dating and be clear about your expectations and boundaries.
It’s also important to take care of yourself and prioritize your own well-being. If you find that you’re constantly being ghosted or benched, it may be time to take a break from dating and focus on your own personal growth and happiness.
Ultimately, decoding modern dating terminology is about recognizing and understanding the various ways people can be hurtful or confusing in relationships. By being aware of these behaviors and setting clear boundaries, you can navigate the dating world with more confidence and clarity. And who knows, you might just find someone who treats you the way you deserve to be treated – with honesty, respect, and love.