Dating Glossary
Dating terms decoded. From breadcrumbing to zombieing — what they mean, why people do them, and what to do about it.
Trauma Dumping in Dating: A Quick Definition
She asked how your day was. You told her about your dad. All of it.
What "Trauma Bonding" Means (When She Does It)
The relationship feels intense because it is. That's not the same thing as good.
What "Thirst Trap" Means (When She Does It)
She posted that for a reason. The question is whether that reason has anything to do with you.
What Is The No-Contact Rule? (And Why It Matters in Dating)
Stop texting her. Stop checking her profile. Stop giving her anything to work with. That's the whole rule.
What "The Ick" Means (When She Does It)
One weird moment and she's done. No trial, no appeal. That's the ick, and it's weirder than you think.
What Is The Honeymoon Phase? (And Why It Matters in Dating)
It's real, it's temporary, and most guys completely waste it.
The Friend Zone in Dating: A Quick Definition
She likes you. She just doesn't like you like that. Here's why, and what to do about it.
Talking Stage: Definition and Signs It's Going Nowhere
You've been 'talking' for six weeks and have zero dates to show for it. Congrats, you live here now.
Soft Launch: What It Means When She Soft Launches You
You're on her Instagram, sort of. Your hand is, anyway. Congrats, I think.
Situationship: Definition, Signs, and How To Get Out
It's not a relationship. It's not nothing. It's the worst of both, and it's quietly eating your year.
Simping: Definition and How to Know When You're Doing It
You think you're being a good guy. She thinks you're a doormat. There's a difference.
What "Secure Attachment" Means (When She Does It)
She texts back, doesn't play games, and doesn't spiral. That's not boring. That's the unicorn.
Rizz: Definition and How to Actually Have It
It's not a line. It's not a look. It's a vibe you either build or you don't.
Red Flags in Dating: Definition and the Most Common Ones
She's showing you exactly who she is. The question is whether you're paying attention.
Rebound: The Dating Term, Explained
She just got out of something. So did you. Know the difference before you catch feelings.
Polyamory in Dating: A Quick Definition
Multiple partners, full honesty, zero drama? Sure. Here's what polyamory actually means before you stumble into it.
Decoded: What "Playing Hard to Get" Actually Means
She's making you work for it. The question is whether there's something real on the other end, or you're just auditioning for a role nobody plans to cast.
Pick-me Girl: The Dating Term, Explained
She's not like other girls. She'll tell you so herself. Repeatedly.
Orbiting: What It Means and What To Do About It
She stopped texting. She's still watching every story you post. Welcome to orbiting.
Slow Fade: Definition, Signs, and What To Do About It
It's the PR-managed exit. Polite enough that nobody can call her out, cold enough that it still works.
Decoded: What "Open Relationship" Actually Means
She brought it up. Now you're nodding like you know what you agreed to. You don't.
Negging: Definition, Origin, and Why It Still Works When You Do It Right
Everyone loves to dunk on it. The guys quietly using it well aren't writing think-pieces about why it's bad.
What Is Mixed Signals? (And Why It Matters in Dating)
Hot one day, cold the next. She's into you, then she's not. Here's what's actually going on.
Micro-cheating in Dating: A Quick Definition
It's not cheating cheating. It's the stuff that happens right before that.