Top 20 Slang For Dating – Meaning & Usage

In the fast-paced world of dating, it can feel like there’s a new slang term popping up every day. From ghosting to cuffing season, keeping up with the latest lingo can be a challenge. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered. Our team has scoured the dating scene to bring you a definitive list of the top slang terms for dating. Get ready to impress your friends and navigate the modern dating world with ease!

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1. FWB

This refers to a casual sexual relationship between two people who are friends but not in a committed romantic relationship. The term implies that the individuals involved engage in sexual activities without the expectation of a romantic relationship or commitment.

For example, someone might say, “We’re just FWBs, so we don’t have any emotional attachment.”
A person discussing their dating life might mention, “I prefer FWB arrangements over traditional relationships.”
Another might ask, “Are you open to being FWBs or are you looking for something more serious?”

2. Sliding into DMs

This phrase refers to the act of privately messaging someone on social media, usually with the intention of expressing romantic or sexual interest. It implies making a bold or unexpected move to get someone’s attention.

For instance, someone might say, “I slid into her DMs and asked her out on a date.”
A person sharing their success story might say, “I never thought sliding into DMs would actually work, but we’ve been together for months now.”
Another might advise, “If you’re interested in someone, don’t be afraid to slide into their DMs and strike up a conversation.”

3. Netflix and chill

This phrase is often used as a euphemism for inviting someone over to watch Netflix together, with the underlying intention of engaging in sexual activity. It implies a casual and low-pressure approach to initiating a sexual encounter.

For example, someone might say, “We were just planning to Netflix and chill, but things escalated.”
A person discussing their dating experiences might mention, “I’ve had a few Netflix and chill dates that turned into something more.”
Another might jokingly say, “Netflix and chill has become the modern-day equivalent of ‘Wanna come up for coffee?'”

4. Ship

This term is short for “relationship” and is used to express support or approval for a romantic pairing or potential pairing. It implies that the person “ships” or endorses the relationship and wants to see it succeed.

For instance, someone might say, “I ship them so hard. They would make such a cute couple.”
A person discussing their favorite TV show might say, “I ship the two main characters. They have so much chemistry.”
Another might comment, “I can’t help but ship them. They just seem perfect for each other.”

5. Swipe right/left

This phrase is used to describe the action of swiping right or left on a dating app to indicate interest or disinterest in potential matches. Swiping right typically indicates interest in pursuing a connection, while swiping left indicates a lack of interest.

For example, someone might say, “I swiped right on their profile and we matched.”
A person discussing their experiences with dating apps might mention, “I spend a lot of time swiping left because most profiles don’t catch my interest.”
Another might ask, “Have you had any success with swiping right on dating apps?”

6. Slow fade

This term refers to when someone you have been dating or talking to gradually fades away or loses interest without any clear explanation or confrontation.

For example, “We were talking every day and then he started responding less and less until he completely slow faded.”
In a conversation about dating experiences, someone might say, “I hate it when people slow fade instead of just being honest.”
Another person might ask for advice, saying, “I think this guy is slow fading me, should I confront him or just let it go?”

7. Thirst trapping

Thirst trapping is the act of posting attractive or provocative photos on social media with the intention of seeking attention or validation from others.

For instance, “She’s always thirst trapping on Instagram, trying to get guys to notice her.”
In a discussion about online dating, someone might say, “I can’t stand it when people use thirst trapping photos on dating apps.”
Another person might comment, “Thirst trapping is just a way to boost your ego, it’s not a genuine way to connect with someone.”

8. Bae

Bae is a popular slang term that stands for “before anyone else” or “baby.” It is used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner or someone you are close to.

For example, “I’m going out with my bae tonight.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “I love it when my bae surprises me with little gestures.”
Another person might ask, “Do you think it’s too soon to call someone my bae after a month of dating?”

9. OTP

OTP refers to a fictional or real-life couple that someone strongly ships or supports. It is often used in fandoms to express the ideal pairing of two characters or individuals.

For instance, “Harry and Hermione are my OTP in the Harry Potter series.”
In a discussion about celebrity couples, someone might say, “Beyonce and Jay-Z are my OTP, they’re perfect together.”
Another person might ask, “Who is your OTP in your favorite TV show?”

10. Love language

Love language refers to the different ways individuals give and receive love and affection. It is a concept that helps people understand their partner’s needs and preferences in a relationship.

For example, “My love language is acts of service, I feel loved when my partner helps me with chores.”
In a conversation about relationships, someone might say, “It’s important to know your partner’s love language to make them feel loved and appreciated.”
Another person might ask, “What’s your love language? Mine is quality time.”

11. Getting Pinned

This term refers to being in a relationship where both individuals have expressed their commitment to each other. It implies exclusivity and a level of seriousness in the relationship.

For example, “I’ve been getting pinned with my partner for over a year now.”
A person might say, “I’m tired of casual dating, I want to find someone to get pinned with.”
When discussing relationships, someone might ask, “Have you ever been in a getting pinned situation before?”

12. Ghostbusting

Ghostbusting refers to taking control of a situation where someone has ghosted you. It involves confronting the person who disappeared and seeking closure or answers for their disappearance.

For instance, “I finally had the courage to ghostbust my ex and ask why they suddenly stopped talking to me.”
A person might say, “Ghostbusting helped me gain closure and move on from that confusing relationship.”
When discussing dating experiences, someone might ask, “Have you ever tried ghostbusting with someone who ghosted you?”

13. Going Steady

Going steady means being in a committed and exclusive relationship with someone. It implies a level of seriousness and often leads to a long-term commitment.

For example, “We’ve been going steady for six months now and things are going great.”
A person might say, “I’m ready to take our relationship to the next level and go steady.”
When discussing relationships, someone might ask, “How long have you been going steady with your partner?”

14. Hang Out

Hang out refers to spending time with someone in a casual and relaxed manner, without any specific plans or expectations. It is often used as a way to get to know someone better or enjoy each other’s company without the pressure of a formal date.

For instance, “Let’s just hang out at the park and enjoy the nice weather.”
A person might say, “We’re not dating, we’re just hanging out and getting to know each other.”
When discussing plans, someone might ask, “Do you want to hang out this weekend?”

15. Haunting

Haunting refers to a situation where someone continues to interact with another person on social media after ghosting them. It can involve liking their posts, commenting, or sending messages without any intention of rekindling the relationship.

For example, “Even though they ghosted me, they keep haunting my Instagram posts.”
A person might say, “I had to block them because their haunting behavior was making it hard for me to move on.”
When discussing ghosting experiences, someone might ask, “Have you ever been haunted by someone who ghosted you?”

16. Next On Deck

This refers to the person who is next in line to date or be in a relationship with someone. It implies that the current relationship is about to end or that the person is actively looking for a new partner.

For instance, a friend might say, “I heard you broke up with your boyfriend. Who’s next on deck?”
In a conversation about dating, someone might ask, “Do you have anyone next on deck after this date?”
A person might say, “I’m single and ready to mingle. I always have someone next on deck.”

17. NSA

This term is used to describe a casual sexual relationship without any commitment or emotional attachment. It implies that the relationship is purely physical and does not involve any expectations or obligations.

For example, someone might say, “I’m not looking for a serious relationship right now. I just want something NSA.”
In a conversation about dating preferences, a person might mention, “I prefer NSA relationships because I don’t want any emotional baggage.”
A friend might ask, “Are you okay with NSA or are you looking for something more serious?”

18. Old Flame

This refers to a person with whom someone had a romantic relationship in the past. It implies that the relationship has ended but there may still be lingering feelings or nostalgia.

For instance, someone might say, “I ran into my old flame at the grocery store yesterday. It was awkward.”
In a conversation about past relationships, a person might mention, “I’m still friends with some of my old flames.”
A friend might ask, “Have you ever rekindled an old flame?”

19. On The Hook/Hooked

This term is used to describe someone who is being led on or kept in a state of uncertainty by another person. It implies that the person is being used for attention, validation, or as a backup option.

For example, someone might say, “I thought we were dating, but it turns out I was just on the hook.”
In a conversation about relationship dynamics, a person might mention, “I don’t want to be someone’s hook. I want a committed relationship.”
A friend might ask, “Do you think you’re being hooked by that person? It doesn’t seem fair to you.”

20. Open

This term is used to describe a relationship or dating situation where both parties are free to see other people. It implies that there are no restrictions or expectations of exclusivity.

For instance, someone might say, “We’re just casually dating. It’s an open relationship.”
In a conversation about dating preferences, a person might mention, “I prefer to keep things open and not rush into exclusivity.”
A friend might ask, “Are you open to seeing other people while you’re dating that person?”

21. Double Texting

This term refers to the act of sending a second text message before receiving a response to the first one. In the world of modern dating, double texting can convey different messages depending on the context and timing.

For example, someone might say, “I was worried you didn’t get my message, so I double-texted.”
In a discussion about communication styles, a person might mention, “I don’t usually double text unless it’s urgent.”
A friend might ask, “Do you think double texting makes me seem too eager?”

Double texting is often seen as a sign of enthusiasm or concern, but it can also be interpreted as impatience or anxiety, especially if the messages are sent in quick succession.