The dating world has come a long way over the years, particularly with the addition of online dating. Individuals are being exposed to a wider range of dating experiences; the good, the bad, and the downright offensive.

There are plenty of new terms being created to help describe the plethora of experiences being had, but what do they all mean? Some are funny ways of explain unusual behaviour, and some are terms for abusive behaviour.

Maybe you are looking for a way to describe what has happened to you, or maybe you hear all this fancy lingo and have no idea what's going on. Whether you are currently a single pringle or in a relationship/s, we've got you covered.

Let's have a look at some of the dating terms floating around at the moment.

• Ghosting

  • Randomly stopping contact with someone you were talking to. No explanations, no goodbyes. Just sudden and unexplained radio silence.
    

• Submarining

  • Someone who ghosts you... but then pops back up again later.
    

• Zombie-ing

  • Same as above... someone who has ghosted you randomly initiates contact again.

• Breadcrumbing

  • Keeping contact with someone just enough to keep them interested, but not quite enough to establish a meaningful connection. This may be because they are trying to avoid a deeper connection; or they may be a naturally flirty person without intention to date you; maybe they have low self-esteem and you are a source of external validation; or it may be that they are chatting to someone else and you are their backup just incase things don't go anywhere with that person.
    

• Soft launch

  • The way in which someone might post on social media suggesting they have a new partner, without actually identifying that person. Examples might include a second dinner plate on the table, another pair of footprints in the sand, or a photo of someone walking off into the sunset.
    

• Situationship

  • A couple who are essentially dating but they haven't defined the relationship just yet. Are they a couple? Are they friends with benefits? It either hasn't been discussed just yet, or they have agreed to keep it low-key until they know what exactly they want.
    

• Cushioning

  • Before ending it with one person you line something up with someone new. This is in order to avoid all the uncomfortable or upsetting feelings that come along with a break-up.
    

• Orbiting

  • Someone stops chatting to you, or the relationship ends, but they continue to follow you on social media, liking your posts or even leaving comments. You'd be forgiven for thinking they are still interested in you, however, this may not be the case.
    

• Zootie call

  • You've heard of a 'bootie call', now meet the very modern zootie call. Also a situation where someone contacts you for a late night hook up, but via video call.

• Text black hole

  • Texting, and texting, and texting, but never actually meeting up in person. Great if you are looking for a pen-pal, but not so great if you're hoping to make a face-to-face connection.
    

• Negging

  • When someone gives you a seemingly positive compliment but it has a negative undertone, otherwise known as a backhanded compliment. It is designed to make you desire their approval and is considered emotional manipulation. An example might be "I really like your make-up tonight, it's as if you're not putting in any effort", or "you look great for a person your size".
    

• Cyberflashing

  • Sending unwanted and non-consensual images of a sexual nature. There are multiple states in the US that are writing legislation to address this issue.
    

• Love bombing

  • Showering someone with affection and/or gifts in an attempt to increase their interest in you. This is often an abuse tactic that shows up early in a dating situation, and generally involves the love bomber hiding or lying about parts of themselves in order to lure the other person into a relationship. It may seem like they are just super into you, but it can be considered both psychological and emotional abuse.
    

• Stealthing

  • Non-consensual removal of a condom during sex. This is also considered a form of sexual assault, or more specifically, rape.
    

• Gaslighting

  • Twisting another person's sense of reality in an attempt to gain control. It generally involves saying or doing something abusive, then denying it happened. Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse.

For support during your dating journey please feel free to contact Bronwyn for a no-obligation 15 minute consult at bronwyn@floraisonmentalhealth.com.au

Or book an appointment today at https://square.site/book/K4SCSAPZ1VYCR/floraison-mental-health