It’s the time of year when single people constantly hear the term “cuffing season”. Whether you’re new to online dating or an established singleton, it’s completely understandable if you’re not sure what the difference between love bombing and breadcrumbing is and what the hell cuffing season actually is.
So, in alphabetical order (because is there any better order than the OG of organisation?!), here’s your guide to modern dating terms you can add to your lexicon.
Benching
You’ve been benched if you feel like the person you’re dating keeps you on their roster but they don’t actively pursue a relationship with you.
Related:
- Things guys wish women knew when dating
- All together now: “Casual kinky sex does not a relationship make”
- Ignore the dating advice
Breadcrumbing
If someone you’re texting or dating provides enough interest to keep you keen but never fully commits, they’re breadcrumbing you. Maybe they keep arranging dates only to cancel most of them at the last minute. Perhaps they’re keen to come to yours and promise to invite you round, but never do.
Related:
- Unwittingly, I was The Other Woman – was he also breadcrumbing me?
- Spotting these behaviours in a new partner? They might be red flags
Cuffing Season
‘Tis the season to find a partner for cosy Sunday nights in, body heat at bedtime and Christmas parties. Supposedly, it’s a time of year when standards drop and new relationships inevitably last until the weather warms up.
Related:
Dry Dating
Dating, but sober. By all means, be sober in the evening, but the easy guarantee for a sober date (for you and your match) is a morning coffee. Or a wholesome walk.
Related:
- Nothing, because I’ve never been one for a coffee date.
Ghosting
When someone you’ve been dating (or, contentiously, texting) suddenly disappears, you’re being ghosted. You can’t be ghosted after one date – this is called a bad date – but when the constant texting comes to an abrupt end or you’re a few dates in and they cease contact, chances are, you’ve been ghosted.
Related:
Love Bombing
You’ve just started dating someone and they’re showering you with loads of attention and affection. Are they checking where you are and who you’re with? Are they keen to define the relationship early on? Does it all feel too much? It sounds like they’re love-bombing you. Sometimes this stems from insecurity, other times it’s malicious. This is definitely something to spot early on and proceed with caution.
Related:
- How your attachment style affects your relationships
- Got the ick? Here’s how to decline giving your number to someone
Orbiting
Someone you used to date has started watching and liking your social media content again, just so you know they’re watching you. Weird. You’ll wonder if they’ll start messaging you to reconnect. If they don’t, they’re orbiting you.
Related:
Pocketing
Have you been dating someone for a few months and not been to their home or met their friends, or family? They only want to hang out with you privately, avoiding social situations. You’ve been pocketed.
Related:
Prowling
A prowler will go on a few dates with you, disappear for a few days or a week, and then reach out, acting as if nothing’s ever happened. Prowling will leave you emotionally drained.
Related:
Zombieing
Have you received a random message from someone who ghosted you a long time ago with no explanation or apology for their behaviour? You’ve been zombied.
Related:
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Still Searching for Prince Charming 
Fun and informative! Thank you 😊
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