Dating Terminologies of the 21st century: Roller coaster of uncertainties and disappointments.

Dating in the 21st century can be daunting, to say the least. With the instant gratification mentality, it is all about how to satisfy our immediate needs without too much effort and invested time into the courting phase. If this is what you are looking for, then all the power to you. If you are looking for something more serious, it is crucial to make sure the other party in question is seeking for the same. However, how can you be sure of that? Proper communication is key so you can built rapport and trust towards each other. However, when the person “ghost” you after the first date, how can you built anything meaningful? Now, I am sure you have all come across many other “terms” when exposing yourself to online dating and certainly very frustrating. It is highly probable that many are familiar with some of the terms listed below, but I am also sure you aren’t aware of the many that pops up on a weekly basis in this challenging dating world we live in. So get ready for a not so exciting and aggravating roller coaster ride of terms and definitions you probably never heard of. These terms are not only experienced by yourself, as being the victim, but you can also be the one creating this toxic environment towards others you are dating without consciously being aware of your actions.

Breadcrumbing

When someone follows up with a romantic prospect on a regular basis, dangles the potential of a date, and keeps them intrigued, but never follows through on what they actually want: a relationship.

Cobwebbing

In order to move on, this act of selflove entails removing any artifacts from former relationships (old sweaters, text threads, or images). Many dating experts believes that keeping old phone numbers and images “keeps someone from being truly present and involved in their dating process.”

Cuffing

The act of being tied down to one partner, mainly during the colder months of the year, is derived from the phrase “handcuffed” (also known as cuffing season). Outside the cuffing season, being cuffed can also apply to someone in a committed relationship.

Cyberflashing

Sending unwelcome sexual photos to another person via digital methods, such as a dating app or social networking site, but also by SMS or another file-sharing tool, such as Airdrop.
Although there is no federal legislation outlawing cyberflashing, states such as California and Texas passed rules last year that allow victims to seek legal redress if they receive unwelcome sexual photos online. Some states are drafting laws to address this problem.

Cookie-jarring

When a person wants another person’s connection as a backup plan. Someone who is cookie-jarring seeks their backup person when the one they genuinely want isn’t accessible or has rejected them in the similar manner that individuals would go for a cookie when they want a quick delight.

Gaslighting

Manipulate someone into doubting their logic, perceptions, recollections, or comprehension of an incident that occurred. Typical techniques include outright lying, denial, and trivializing their sentiments, which can lead to an unhealthy power shift in a partnership.

Ghosting

The act of abruptly disappearing or breaking off all communication with someone you’re dating, in a relationship with, or who you’ve merely matched with online.
“Ghosting is incredibly dehumanizing, and a lot of people don’t realize that,” Dr. Jones said, adding that it may cause people to question their own worth and value as human beings.
“It frequently sets off abandonment triggers.”

Love Bombing

In order to obtain control of a new romantic partner, lavish them with extravagant gestures and continuous contact while also isolating them from friends and family. While not all extravagant expressions of devotion are red flags, love bombing might be difficult to detect.

Orbiting

When a person has shut off communication with another person or made it plain that they are not interested in continuing a relationship, yet they continue to communicate with that person on social media, typically through views and likes.

This also relates to the habit of stalking possible romantic partners on social media without making contact.
According to experts, many people, particularly women in heteronormative relationships, may misinterpret this as someone being explicit about their desire when it is not.
“People might be scrolling through social media while sitting on the toilet and enjoying posts,” she explained.
“It can imply absolutely nothing and it frequently does.”

Rizz

This contemporary notion is short for “charisma” and is popular among members of Generation Z. Many expert said it’s quite popular on TikTok and refers to someone’s skill to flirt with and captivate a possible love interest. This might include having an appealing personality or an underlying attraction that others find difficult to resist. The phrase was invented by Kai Cenat, a Twitch broadcaster and influencer, who stated that rizz originally refers to the capacity to attract someone who wasn’t initially interested in you.

Situationship

A romantic or sexual connection in which neither party communicates effectively enough to establish their status. Unlike “friends with benefits,” neither side in a situationship knows what the other is to them. This can be perplexing and lacks the constancy and support that an established connection provides.

Soft-Launching

Uploading a covert photo or video of your new partner on Instagram or another social media platform to announce your relationship while keeping their identity hidden. The idea is that you don’t want to write about them too soon on your account in case they don’t work out. Sharing images with merely your partner’s hands clasped in yours is one example. “You’re gradually introducing the concept that you all may be a thing,” Dr. Jones added.
“Everything is influenced by social media,” she explained. “It’s become the relationship’s third wheel.”

So here it is, the dreadful list of terms that most of you haven’t heard of but exists. It is also possible that you may read this list and feel guilty as you have somewhat created this environment to other victims without even being aware of your toxic actions. Regardless of being the victim or culprit, you can now be alert and aware of what can others do to you or you do to others.
It is a very difficult world out there so make sure to always stay safe, and when going on a date, make sure to let close friends or family be aware of your whereabouts. Watch out for the many psychopath whackos out there not expressing any empathy for human lives, excluding their own.