8 Essential Gen-Z Dating Terms You Should Know For Modern Relationships

Samta Pahuja
Feb 18, 2025

Ghosting

Ghosting means suddenly cutting off communication with someone without any explanation. No texts, no calls, just silence!

Benching

Benching is when someone keeps you on the sidelines, texting occasionally but never making a real effort to meet up. They keep you around just in case.

Cushioning

Cushioning is when someone flirts or chats with other people while still in a relationship, just in case things don’t work out with their partner.

DTR (Define The Relationship)

DTR is the conversation where you ask someone about the status of your relationship—Are you exclusive or just casually dating?

Submarining

Submarining is when someone who ghosted you suddenly resurfaces out of nowhere, acting like nothing ever happened.

Love Bombing

Love bombing is when someone overwhelms you with affection, gifts, and attention in a very short time to gain your trust and affection.

Situationship

A situationship is a romantic connection that lacks clear commitment or definition. You’re more than friends but not quite in a relationship.

Haunting

Haunting is when someone who ghosted you continues to follow your social media, liking or viewing your posts without direct interaction.

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