What Does Benching Mean?
The term benching is slang that refers to using someone as a backup date or friend in case a better option comes along. It is commonly used in the dating world but can also apply to friendships. The term originated from sports, where a person on the bench is good enough to not get cut from the team but not good enough to make the starting lineup. In the context of dating or friendships, benching means that the person is likable enough to be kept around but not enough to receive more attention. It often manifests as infrequent but consistent communication, enough to keep the person interested. Here are some examples of how to use benching in conversation:
- “I think she’s benching me, she barely even texts me anymore.”
- “He’s been benching me for months, always making plans and canceling at the last minute.”
- “I’m tired of being benched, I deserve someone who actually wants to be with me.”
- “I’ve been benching him for a while now, but I’m starting to realize he’s not the one for me.”
- “I don’t want to be someone’s backup plan, I deserve better than being benched.”
The term benching does not have a sexual connotation. It is simply used to describe the act of keeping someone as a backup option in the dating or friendship realm. It is not a typo or typing mistake, but rather a slang term that has gained popularity in recent years.
What Does Benching Mean From a Girl?
When a girl uses the term benching, it typically means the same thing as when a guy uses it. It refers to keeping someone as a backup option in the dating or friendship realm. Girls may use benching in conversations with their friends or in online communities where discussions about relationships and dating are more common.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Specific meaning from a girl: Girls may use the term benching to describe the act of keeping someone as a backup option in the dating or friendship realm.
- How girls use it: Girls may use benching to discuss their experiences with dating or friendships, expressing frustration or disappointment when they feel like they are being benched.
- How to reply: If someone mentions being benched to you and you are interested in pursuing a relationship or friendship with them, it is important to communicate your feelings and expectations. Let them know that you want more consistent communication and commitment, or decide if it’s best to move on.
It is worth noting that while the term benching is commonly used by both girls and guys, individuals may have different perspectives and experiences with it. Some girls may use benching similarly to guys, while others may have different expectations or reactions to being benched. It’s always important to consider individual differences and communicate openly in any relationship or friendship.
Example 1:
- Girl A: Ugh, I think I’m being benched by this guy I’ve been talking to.
- Girl B: Oh no, that’s the worst! You deserve someone who gives you their full attention.
Example 2:
- Girl: I’ve decided to bench this guy I’ve been dating. He’s just not putting in enough effort.
- Friend: Good for you! Don’t settle for anything less than you deserve.
Example 3:
- Girl A: I hate feeling like I’m on the bench with my friends. They always make plans without me.
- Girl B: That’s not cool. You deserve friends who include you and make you feel valued.
Example 4:
- Girl: I’ve been talking to this guy for weeks, but he never asks me out. I think he’s benching me.
- Friend: That’s frustrating. You should let him know what you’re looking for and see how he responds.
Example 5:
- Girl A: I thought things were going well with this guy, but now he’s hardly texting me. I feel like I’m being benched.
- Girl B: Ugh, that’s the worst feeling. You deserve someone who prioritizes you and communicates consistently.
What Does Benching Mean From a Guy?
When a guy uses the term benching, it can have similar meanings to when a girl uses it. It refers to keeping someone as a backup option in the dating or friendship realm. However, there may be some differences in how guys use it and their intentions behind it.
Here are some possible meanings and ways guys might use benching:
- Keeping options open: Guys may use benching as a way to keep their options open and explore other potential romantic or friendship connections. They may not be fully committed or interested in pursuing a serious relationship or friendship with the person they are benching.
- Avoiding commitment: Some guys may use benching as a way to avoid commitment or getting too emotionally involved. They may enjoy the attention and companionship of the person they are benching but may not want to take things to the next level.
- Flirting or testing the waters: In some cases, guys may use benching as a way to flirt or test the waters with someone they are interested in. They may want to gauge the person’s reaction and see if there is potential for a deeper connection before fully committing.
- Lack of interest: Unfortunately, benching can also be a sign that a guy is not genuinely interested in pursuing a relationship or friendship with someone. They may keep them around as a backup option out of convenience or boredom.
If a guy benches you and you’re trying to figure out what he means, here are a couple of things to consider:
- Consider the context of your relationship with this guy. Are you just getting to know each other, casually dating, or in a more serious relationship?
- Pay attention to his actions and consistency. Does he make an effort to spend time with you and communicate regularly, or is he inconsistent and unreliable?
- Trust your instincts and communicate your feelings. If you’re looking for more commitment and consistency, it’s important to express your needs and expectations. If he’s not willing to meet them, it may be best to move on.
It’s important to remember that not all guys use benching in the same way, and individual experiences may vary. Some guys may genuinely be interested in pursuing a relationship or friendship but may be unsure or hesitant. Others may use benching as a way to keep their options open without any intention of committing. It’s always best to communicate openly and honestly to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that both parties are on the same page.
Example 1:
- Guy 1: Hey, did you see that new girl in our class?
- Guy 2: Yeah, she’s cute. I might keep her on the bench for now and see if anything develops.
Example 2:
- Guy 1: I’ve been talking to this girl for a while, but she never wants to make plans.
- Guy 2: Sounds like she’s benching you, man. Maybe it’s time to move on.
Example 3:
- Guy 1: I’ve been hanging out with this girl, but she always cancels last minute.
- Guy 2: She’s definitely benching you. Don’t waste your time on someone who doesn’t prioritize you.
Example 4:
- Guy 1: I’ve been texting this girl, but she takes forever to respond.
- Guy 2: She’s probably benching you, bro. Find someone who actually wants to engage in conversation.
Example 5:
- Guy: I’ve been seeing this girl, but she never wants to define our relationship.
- Friend: Sounds like she’s benching you. Don’t settle for someone who won’t commit to you.
What Does Benching Mean Sexually?
No, benching does not have a sexual or NSFW meaning. It refers to using someone as a backup date or friend in case a better option comes along. It is a slang term commonly used in the dating world and does not have any sexual connotation.
Origin of Benching
The origins of the word “benching” in this context are not clear. It is possible that the term originated from the sports term “bench,” where a player is kept on the bench as a backup but not given the opportunity to start. However, it is also possible that the term was coined independently to describe the act of using someone as a backup date or friend. Without more information, it is difficult to determine the exact origins of the word or if it is a derived word from another term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slangs similar to Benching
Backup plan, second choice, substitute, plan B, and side option are similar to “benching” because they all involve keeping someone as a backup or alternative option in case a better choice comes along. These terms describe situations where someone is not given much attention or priority, similar to how “benching” is used in the context of dating or friendships.
Is Benching A Bad Word?
No, “benching” is not a bad word or a vulgar word. It is a term used in the dating world to describe when someone uses another person as a backup date in case a better option falls through. It is derived from the sports term where a person on the bench is good enough to not get cut but not good enough to make the starting lineup. In the context of dating or friendships, benching means that the person is likable enough to be kept around but not enough to get more attention. It typically manifests itself in infrequent but consistent communication.
Is Benching a Typo or Misspelling?
No, “benching” is not a misspelling or a typo. It is a slang term that refers to using someone as a backup date or friend in case a better option comes along. It originated from sports and is commonly used in the dating world.
