20 Modern Dating Trends That Would Have Shocked Any Boomer
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The dating landscape has undergone a seismic shift in the age of technology and changing societal norms. From ghosting to Netflix and chill, modern dating trends can be a maze to navigate. Here’s a look at 20 of these trends that would have left any Boomer scratching their head.
Ghosting
Suddenly cutting off all communication with someone you’ve been dating, without any explanation.
Netflix and Chill
A euphemism for inviting someone over to your place under the pretense of watching a movie, but with other intentions in mind.
Sliding into DMs
Initiating a private conversation with someone by directly messaging them on social media platforms.
Catfishing
Creating a fake online profile to deceive someone into a relationship or scam them.
Cuffing Season
The period during the colder months when singles seek out a short-term relationship to ward off loneliness.
Situationship
A relationship that’s more than casual dating but not quite a committed relationship.
Breadcrumbing
Leading someone on by sending sporadic messages without the intention of pursuing a real relationship.
Love Bombing
Overwhelming someone with affection and gifts at the start of a relationship, only to later manipulate or control them.
Orbiting
Staying in someone’s social media sphere by watching their stories or liking their posts, but not directly communicating with them.
Benching
Keeping someone on the sidelines as a backup option while dating others.
Zombieing
Reappearing in someone’s life after ghosting them, usually with a random message or like on social media.
R-bombing
Reading someone’s message but not replying, leaving them in suspense.
Video Dating
Using video calls as a way to have virtual dates, especially popularized during the pandemic.
Slow Fading
Gradually reducing the amount of communication and effort in a relationship until it fizzles out.
Stashing
Hiding a romantic interest from friends, family, and social media, essentially keeping the relationship a secret.
Thirst Trap
Posting a provocative or flattering photo on social media to attract attention.
Ship
Short for ‘relationship,’ often used to endorse or support a potential couple.
Soft Ghosting
Replying with minimal effort, like a simple “like” or emoji, without engaging in a real conversation.
Fleabagging
Continuously dating the wrong type of person for you, even when you know they’re not a good match.
Hatfishing
Hiding baldness or a receding hairline under a hat in dating profiles or during dates.
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