Monday, March 02, 2020

How Dating Terms Have Changed by Vivienne Diane Neal


I must say, “I am dating myself.” No, this is not what you think. I haven’t gone on a date since 1982. But at least I knew back then where I stood when it came to dating and romance, where people vocally said what they meant, and not beat around the bush. There was no internet or social media to fall back on when it came to starting or ending a romantic relationship. If you no longer wanted to be involved with someone, you would face that individual, communicate on the phone or write a Dear John letter.

But today, dating has taken a different route when it comes to the way people deal with dating and romance. The phrases used when referring to dating are so complex that I thought I would list some of these expressions that would make my mother, who passed away at the age of 95 in 2019 and my grandmother who passed away at the age of 90 in 1985, scratch their heads. Boy, how times have changed. I am just wondering what they would say if they were alive today. They would probably be as befuddled as I am, at age 73.

Following are some off the wall words that were created by millennials, those born between 1980-1995, which are now trending when it comes to dating and romance:

Laybe or Layby - strongly feels their relationship isn't going to last longer than rain shower and have turned to a couple of strong prospects, just to be prepared; this individual doesn’t like being single and is ready to make that leap without much hesitation.


Hang Out - has replaced the word dating, which no one says anymore. Hanging out has very little commitment and both parties can feel comfortable being together without any unrealistic romantic expectations.

Cushing - people who are already in a relationship but will flirt with others on the side just in case things don’t work out.

Breadcrumbing - a hit and miss message, a playful "hi" or "what's up" to check-in. But, it's just enough contact to lure a target into imagining the realm of a possible relationship, when in reality there's no chance.

Turning - hitting on an individual and hoping for a more intimate connection.

Slow fades - the relationship is about to end. There are very little texts, social media contacts, and little direct messages.


Ghosting - is nothing new; it means the person has done a disappearing act and you will never receive any more texts, phone calls or social media messages.

Benching - An individual may bench someone they've dated, along with a couple of others, as a way of saying, "I'm just not sure yet!"

Umfriend - another way of saying, “A friend with benefits.”

Catch and Release - is all fun and games, at least for the person doing the fishing? These people don't seem to care about the release part or the hurt feelings that may result.

 I wonder what words will be used to describe the dating scene, fifty years from now? :)

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

very nice post