Modern dating isn’t easy, but knowing these trends can help you find your way.
Nanoship
The tiniest unit of a relationship is the nanoship. In our fast-paced world, who has time for a full-on relationship that demands everything? Enjoy the moment without heavy plans or future worries: a nanoship can last weeks, months, or even just minutes.
Ghostbuster
Inspired by the classic movie, a Ghostbuster is someone who refuses to be ghosted—that is, they won’t let you disappear from their life. They keep texting or calling because they can’t handle being ignored.
Banksying
Named after Banksy, the British graffiti artist famous for his self-destructing artwork, "Girl with Balloon."
In dating, Banksying means one person deliberately sabotages the relationship to make it self-destruct.
Floodlighting
Floodlighting means sharing way too much about yourself on the first date —oversharing to the point your date feels overwhelmed. It’s like shining bright headlights on a deer—your date just blinks in shock as you unload a flood of personal and intimate details.
Throning
Throning has been around forever but feels more relevant than ever. It means dating someone because of their status. Whether it’s the most beautiful girl, the hottest guy, a destined partner, or a wealthy man, the key is they rank higher on your imaginary social ladder.
Orbiting
Orbiting refers to someone who doesn’t call or reach out but still signals their presence by liking your posts or watching your stories. They’re still in your digital orbit.
Zombing
When someone who ghosted you suddenly “comes back to life” and reappears in your world as if nothing happened. Like a zombie rising from the dead.
DTR
DTR stands for "define the relationship"—when both people sit down and clarify what they are to each other: serious dating or just friends with benefits.
Beige Flag
Besides warning signs (red flags) and positive signs (green flags), there’s the “beige flag”—a trait in your date that you don’t fully reject but don’t really like either.
Pocketing
This happens when your partner doesn’t introduce you to friends or family and doesn’t post about you on social media. They keep you close but hidden, like you’re in their pocket.
Dry Dating
When you don’t drink—strictly no alcohol during the date.
Caspering
Like ghosting, but instead of vanishing suddenly, Casper—the friendly ghost—keeps texting and slowly fades out of your life.
BoySober
A woman is BoySober when she stops distracting herself with men and fully steps back from dating—and all the emotional drama—to focus on herself.
Delusionship
A relationship that was an illusion or a misconception. We hoped for the best but realized it was just chasing a dream.
ENM
Short for Ethical Non-Monogamy. When someone has multiple sexual partners and is open about it.
Cushioning
“Cushion” means pillow in English. It refers to when someone keeps a backup partner so if one relationship falls through, they land softly.
Freak Matching
When you find someone who is just as quirky or wild—a true FREAK like you.
Future Proofing
When you secure your future by choosing a partner who is emotionally mature, financially stable, and shares your life goals.
Micromance
Small gestures, fleeting touches, smiles. “I got caught in a micromance with a handsome coworker.” You probably won’t end up together, but there’s a romantic spark—that’s micromance.
Shrekking
Shrekking happens when a woman finally gives a chance to a man she’s not attracted to, hoping he’ll treat her like a princess and keep other women away.
