Welcome back to our tour of the zany world of dating trends. Last time we covered the top ten, but the list doesn’t stop there! Brace yourselves for another batch of dating phenomena that are as bewildering as they are hilarious. Here’s your guide to staying savvy (and sane) in the dating scene.
11. Soft Launch
Picture this: You’re dating someone new, and it’s going great—but you’re not ready for the grand unveiling just yet. Enter the soft launch, the subtle art of sneakily introducing your new beau to the world via cryptic Instagram stories or casual mentions in tweets. It’s like a movie trailer for your love life; enough to tease but not enough to tell the whole story.
12. Zombie-ing
Just when you thought ghosting was bad, in comes zombie-ing. This is when someone who ghosted you suddenly rises from the dead and pops back into your life like nothing happened. “Hey stranger!” messages, anyone? It’s less “Thriller” dance and more thriller drama.
13. Kittenfishing
Ever meet someone online who seems just purr-fect, only to discover they’re more of a catfish lite? That’s kittenfishing. They might sprinkle their profiles with little white lies—from five-year-old photos to slightly exaggerated life stories. Remember, if the profile is too cute to be true, it probably is!
14. Wokefishing
In the sea of dating, watch out for the wokefish. They lure you in with their progressive bait—chatting about climate change, feminism, and social justice—but it’s all a performance. The moment you dive deeper, their “wokeness” washes away. Keep your political snorkel handy!
15. Caspering
If ghosting is harsh, caspering is ghosting with a friendly face. Named after the friendly ghost, this one involves letting someone down gently before you vanish into thin air. “You’re great, but…” messages lead the way. It’s still ghosting, but with a polite knock on the door first.
16. Cushioning
Ever felt like you need a safety net in dating? That’s cushioning. It’s when someone keeps a few potential love interests on the back burner just in case their current relationship doesn’t pan out. Think of it as emotional insurance; slightly cynical, but comfortingly soft.
17. DTR (Define the Relationship)
Ah, the big talk. DTR is when you and your maybe-more-than-friend sit down to label what exactly “this” is. It’s a crucial moment, packed with potential for clarity or awkwardness. It’s like turning on the lights at the end of a party—necessary, but revealing.
18. Rizz
Sliding into the dating glossary is “rizz,” the slang for charisma or charm that makes someone irresistibly attractive. It’s not just about looks; it’s the secret sauce of seduction. Got rizz? You probably don’t need any of these other terms!
19. Beige
Not every date can be full of fireworks. If your date has the vibrancy of a beige wall, well, they’re just beige. It’s when someone is so boring that you fantasize about your next dental appointment for excitement. Remember, even vanilla has more flavor!
20. Marleying
Named after Bob Marley and his song about stirring it up, this is when exes reach out during the holidays. Perhaps it’s nostalgia, loneliness, or the spirit of giving (a second chance). But beware, sometimes the past should just stay wrapped up.
There you go, another round of modern dating terms to keep you in the loop and laughing about the intricacies of finding love today. Stay tuned, stay skeptical, and above all, have fun. Happy dating adventures!