Dating in 2017 practically requires its own phrase book!
Here are some terms you might hear in conversation among singles, within pop culture or in news coverage.
Amatonormativity: Coined by a philosophy professor, this term describes the assumption that every single person wants to be in a monogamous romantic relationship – and would automatically be better off in one.
Benching: When someone puts a romantic prospect “on the roster but not in play”. They might bench you by agreeing to a date, only to reschedule. They’re keeping their options open and are probably dating multiple people at once.
Photo by Bence Boros on Unsplash
Bread-crumbing: Similar to benching, there’s more communication than actual in-person interaction. They send a consistent stream of complimentary texts, only to never follow up or make plans.
Cuffing season: Cuffing season is the time of year when it is colder and a regular Netflix and chill buddy seems more desirable than keeping your options open.
Demisexual: A sexual orientation for those who take a while to feel attracted to someone.
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Ghosting: When someone ends a relationship by cutting off all communication, perhaps because they’re scared of confrontation or they have a sense that the person they’re with is dangerous.
Raya: Also known as “celebrity Tinder”, it’s an exclusive dating app for creative types with large Instagram followings.
Sapiosexual: A person who finds someone’s intellect to be the sexiest thing about them.
Ship: Short for “relationship”, and used as a verb to say that you endorse or approve of two people – real or fictional – being together.
Photo by Wesley Quinn on Unsplash
Slide into his/her DMs: When someone attempts to flirt on Twitter by sending a direct message (DM) to someone they don’t know. DM slides are reserved for strangers or distant acquaintances and should always be a last resort.
Slow fade: Not quite ghosting, this is when someone gradually backs away, but doesn’t explicitly cut things off.
Zombie-ing: When someone who’s ghosted their way out of a relationship tries to re-enter their ex’s life.
AUTHOR: Washington Post