Dating Terms Glossary
Your complete guide to modern dating language. From situationships to love bombing, understand what it all means.
Trending Terms
Situationship
A romantic relationship that lacks clear labels or commitment
Talking Stage
The early phase of getting to know someone before officially dating
Love Bombing
Overwhelming someone with excessive affection and attention early in dating
Red Flag
A warning sign that someone may be problematic in a relationship
Green Flag
A positive sign that someone may be a healthy, compatible partner
The Ick
A sudden feeling of disgust or turn-off toward someone you're dating
Navigating Modern Dating?
Spark has 1,000+ conversation starters to help you build real connections.
Dating Phases
(4 terms)Talking Stage
The early phase of getting to know someone before officially dating
DTR
Define The Relationship - the conversation about where a relationship is going
Talking to Someone
The pre-dating phase of regular communication with romantic potential
Exclusive
Agreeing to only date each other, a step before being 'official'
Relationship Status
(1 terms)Dating Behaviors
(8 terms)Ghosting
Suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation
Breadcrumbing
Sending occasional flirty messages to keep someone interested without real commitment
Benching
Keeping someone as a backup option while pursuing other relationships
Slow Fade
Gradually decreasing contact to end a relationship without direct confrontation
Zombieing
When someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears as if nothing happened
Orbiting
When someone stops responding but still watches your social media closely
Dry Texting
Sending short, low-effort messages that don't keep conversation going
Peacocking
Dressing or behaving flamboyantly to attract romantic attention
Red Flags
(4 terms)Love Bombing
Overwhelming someone with excessive affection and attention early in dating
Gaslighting
Manipulating someone into questioning their own reality and sanity
Future Faking
Making false promises about a future together to manipulate someone
Catfishing
Creating a fake online persona to deceive someone romantically
Dating Concepts
(4 terms)Red Flag
A warning sign that someone may be problematic in a relationship
Green Flag
A positive sign that someone may be a healthy, compatible partner
The Ick
A sudden feeling of disgust or turn-off toward someone you're dating
Cuffing Season
The fall/winter months when people seek committed relationships
Related Guides
Explore more resources for navigating modern dating.