Are you confused about all the new dating terms floating around these days? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! From cuffing season to dry dating, open casting to wanderlove, it can be overwhelming trying to keep up with all of the new dating trends. That said, let’s explore the 10 newest dating terms and help you understand what they mean. By the end of this post, you’ll be conversant with the current dating scene.
1. Cuffing
Cuffing season is upon us, and if you’re not familiar with the term, it’s time to learn. Cuffing is a slang term for finding a partner during the colder months of the year. This type of seasonal relationship generally begins around the holidays and lasts until spring, when temperatures start to rise.
Cuffing is often an ideal situation for both parties involved. It’s a way to enjoy companionship without the added pressure or commitment of an official relationship. It’s also a great way to keep warm and cozy during those cold winter nights.
If you’re looking for a cuffing partner, you’ll want to be prepared. Consider your criteria, such as age, location, lifestyle, and compatibility, and then begin your search. You can look online through dating sites, apps, and even through your social circle. Once you find someone who matches your criteria, get to know them by engaging in thoughtful conversations and sharing activities. Keep in mind that although cuffing relationships don’t usually last, they can be enjoyable while they last!
2. Dry Dating
Dry dating is a relatively new concept in the world of dating and relationships. It involves two people engaging in a relationship without any physical intimacy or sex. It’s also known as an emotional affair, as both partners invest their time and energy into each other without the commitment or expectation of anything sexual. This type of relationship can be beneficial to those who are looking for emotional support, companionship, and validation, but want to remain free from the ties of traditional romantic relationships.
The idea behind dry dating is that the two people involved can enjoy each other’s company, while still remaining independent and maintaining their own autonomy. There is no pressure or obligation to take things further if either person is uncomfortable. Instead, they are free to explore their emotional connection, while still maintaining their freedom and independence.
For those who are unfamiliar with dry dating, it may seem strange or even unappealing. But many people find it to be an invaluable way to stay connected with someone without committing to a romantic relationship. It can also be an important way to form deep emotional connections and grow personally and spiritually. Ultimately, dry dating can be a great way to meet new people, explore new ideas, and build meaningful relationships without worrying about expectations or obligations.
3. Open Casting
Open casting is a new dating term that refers to the act of actively seeking a new romantic relationship while still in one. It’s almost like shopping for a new romantic partner while still in a relationship. In a sense, it’s like “casting” for a new partner while you’re still with someone else. Open casting typically takes place on social media or dating apps, where people look for potential dates and build relationships. It’s important to note that open casting is not cheating — it’s simply being honest about what you’re looking for and considering different options for a future relationship.
4. Wanderlove
Wanderlove is a term used to describe those who enjoy the thrill of taking a relationship on the road. It is a type of relationship where couples often travel together, exploring new destinations and having unique experiences along the way. This type of relationship is often seen in young couples who don’t want to be tied down to one place. Instead, they prefer to keep things fresh by jetting off to new and exciting locations. This type of relationship is perfect for those who have a passion for travel and don’t mind embracing the nomadic lifestyle. With Wanderlove, couples can explore the world together, experiencing different cultures and gaining new perspectives.
5. DTR
DTR stands for “define the relationship”. It is a conversation that two people have to discuss the status of their relationship. It is often seen as a necessary step when two people are first getting to know each other and deciding if they want to pursue something more serious. The conversation can be uncomfortable but it’s important to have so both parties can make sure they’re on the same page. This could mean clarifying whether you’re dating exclusively, or simply defining the parameters of your relationship. This type of conversation is especially important when you’ve been seeing someone for a while and want to make sure that you’re both still on the same page about what you want out of the relationship.
6. Gatsbying
Gatsbying is the newest dating term on the scene, and it’s a combination of showmanship and romance. The term comes from the classic novel The Great Gatsby, and it essentially refers to putting on a grand gesture in order to impress a love interest. Gatsbying can involve anything from an extravagant date night to a surprise delivery of flowers or a special gift. It’s all about showing your partner that you are willing to go the extra mile to make them feel special. However, there is a fine line between thoughtful gatsbying and over-the-top gatsbying – if you go too far it may come off as too desperate and push your partner away. So, if you’re going to give it a try, make sure to plan something thoughtful and meaningful.
7. Ghosting
Ghosting is a term used to describe when someone ends a relationship abruptly and without any explanation. The person may suddenly stop responding to texts or calls, as if they have disappeared into thin air. It can leave the other person feeling confused, hurt, and rejected, especially if there had been strong feelings of mutual attraction and commitment in the relationship. Ghosting can happen at any stage of a relationship, whether it be after one date or several months of dating.
The impact of ghosting can be emotionally devastating for both parties involved. One moment you’re in a seemingly happy relationship, and the next your partner has vanished without a trace. This sudden change in behavior can leave people feeling confused, betrayed, and even used. It can also lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt.
It’s important to remember that ghosting is not the same as ending a relationship respectfully. If you are considering ending a relationship, try to do so with honesty and respect. It’s never easy to end things, but it is the kindest thing to do for both parties involved.
8. Breadcrumbing
Breadcrumbing is a dating term that refers to sending out flirtatious, but non-committal, messages to potential matches with the intention of keeping them interested without ever committing to an actual date or relationship. It’s an underhanded tactic that usually involves stringing someone along and making them believe there is hope for more when in reality the breadcrumber has no intention of taking things further.
The term comes from the idea of leaving a trail of breadcrumbs—tiny morsels that Hansel and Gretel used to find their way home—except in this case, the breadcrumbs never lead to anything more than disappointment.
Breadcrumbers typically contact their victims through text messages, emails, and social media likes and comments. They often communicate sporadically, just often enough to keep the other person interested, and rarely respond in a timely manner. When they do respond, they offer vague promises that never amount to anything.
Though breadcrumbing can happen between friends or acquaintances, it’s most commonly seen in romantic relationships where one person has the goal of maintaining their victim’s attention without ever having to commit. If you feel like you’re being led on by someone who is constantly dropping breadcrumbs without ever actually delivering, it may be time to move on and look for someone who can give you more than empty promises.
9. Submarining
Submarining is one of the newest terms in the world of dating. It describes a situation when someone who has ghosted or vanished suddenly reappears in your life. This person usually just shows up out of the blue, without warning or explanation, as if they had never left.
It can be confusing and disorienting to have someone come back after having ghosted you in the past, especially since it usually doesn’t lead to any meaningful resolution. Submarining is often seen as an irritating way to maintain control and power over the other person, by making them think that they are still in the picture.
This term can also be used to describe someone who was not in a relationship with the person they are re-emerging from but had been in contact before. Whether this is a romantic connection or a platonic one, it’s still submarining.
No matter how it happens, it can be confusing for both parties involved. It can be difficult to know how to respond to someone who appears out of nowhere, especially if you were expecting closure or an apology for the ghosting. The best way to deal with submarining is to establish clear boundaries, discuss the situation openly, and move on from the relationship if needed.
10. Benching
Benching is a term that refers to the act of keeping someone interested in you, but not taking things to the next level. You may give someone just enough attention or contact to keep them interested, but not enough to move things forward. The term comes from the concept of putting someone “on the bench” and waiting for a better option or opportunity to come along.
This could take the form of flirting with someone and then not responding to their messages, or keeping someone interested in you while you look for other people. It’s a way of keeping your options open without fully committing to any one person.
Benching can be damaging for both parties involved. The person doing the benching might miss out on a great connection with someone, and the person being benched will feel like they are being strung along with no real commitment. If you think someone is benching you, it’s important to confront them about it and set boundaries.
