If you’re dating in 2026, you deserve hazard pay.
So if you’re entering the dating scene this year, or planning to put yourself out there more, first of all, I’m proud of you.
And secondly, I’m really sorry.
This is not the era of “I like him, he likes me, we’re good,” because one minute, you’re having deep conversations about childhood trauma. The next minute, they’re posting gym selfies and “soft life” quotes while ignoring your last three texts.
But the one thing our generation got right is this: we named the madness.
Ghosting. Breadcrumbing. Love bombing. Situationships. Entanglements.
And that matters, because language changes power.
Once you can name a pattern, you stop romanticising it. You start clocking it.
So here’s your alphabet dating guide for 2026. Consider this your emotional Google Maps. You’ll probably still take wrong turns, but at least now you’ll know exactly where you are.
The Top 62 Dating Slangs You Need to Know in 2026
Save this. Screenshot this. Argue about it with your group chat.
Affordating
This is when you and someone new talk about money early, so nobody is pretending to be rich for romance. It’s a very Gen Z concept and, honestly, very necessary because the economy is beating us up.
And I love it. Performing wealth on dates is stressful and embarrassing. Let’s just eat what we can afford and enjoy each other in peace.
And no, this is not broke-boy propaganda.
Aura farming
This is when someone is constantly performing “effortless cool” instead of just being normal. Every move is curated, calculated, and a literal performance.
It’s meant to make you see them as charismatic, mysterious, or hot. And honestly? It gets exhausting to watch. If you have to try this hard to look cool, the aura is already gone.
Bae watch
It’s a play on words on the popular hit show, Baywatch. This is when someone is a little too invested in what their partner or crush is doing at all times. Not in a toxic way. Just in a slightly obsessed, “what’s my baby doing right now?” way. You’re at an event, but your friend is low-key obsessing over their crush’s movements. You can casually tell your friends later in the group chat, “She’s on bae watch.”
Banksying
This is when you’re still in a relationship, but you’ve already started emotionally checking out. You withdraw quietly, process the breakup on your own, and heal while you’re still with the person.
So when the breakup finally happens, the other person is blindsided. Meanwhile, you leave the relationship emotionally unscathed because you already did your grieving inside it.
Beige flag
So, you know those little quirks or habits that are strange and maybe slightly annoying but ultimately harmless that your partner keeps doing? It’s not necessarily a green flag or a red flag. Those “ meh” things that they do, like eating cereal with water, yeah, we like to call those beige flags.
Benching/ Cookie Jarring
You’ve probably done it or, you know, experienced it yourself. It’s when you keep a potential partner as a backup option, giving “just” enough attention to maintain hope but never committing. This allows you to explore other options you’re more interested in, while you have a backup.
Boy sober
Boy sober is a movement that got popular in 2024, where women decide to take a cold break from dating, talking stages, and random hookups for a period of time. It’s like a detox from men that allows you to focus on self-care, healing, and determining who you are or what you want outside of a relationship.
Read More: Two Years Boy Sober: Here’s What You Learn When You Start Dating
Bread crumbing
This is benching’s messy little sister. You can’t really have one without the other.
It’s when someone keeps you interested with flirtatious, inconsistent “crumbs”, with no intention of actually committing. That one person who pops up out of nowhere to remind you how crazy they are about you, then disappears again? Yeah. That’s breadcrumbing.
And no, it’s not cute.
Cannon balling
Cannonballing is when you decide to leave a partner so you can focus on personal development and embrace life-changing events. I know, it’s easy to confuse with the tired, “It’s not you, it’s me, I just need to focus on myself” excuse. But the difference is, this person actually does it, I mean, career moves, therapy, the whole thing. It’s hard to spot the difference, we know.
Catfishing
This one is more common on dating apps, but it also happens on social media.
It’s when someone creates a fake online persona, or at least exaggerates their real life.
Like posting like they are wealthy, lying about their height, or acting like they travel every weekend when they barely leave the house.
Basically, they are presenting a whole different version of themselves online to deceive people. And then you meet them in real life, and you receive the biggest shock of your life, like… oh, so this is the real you.
Cloaking
Cloaking is a severe form of ghosting. One day, you’re talking, seeing each other, vibing.
Next thing? You’re blocked everywhere. Can’t text. Can’t call. Can’t even find their social media profile. There’s no warning or explanation. Just vanished as if you imagined them.
Conscious uncoupling
This was popularised by icon Gwyneth Paltrow, and it’s basically a way of ending a relationship with mutual respect. There’s no big conflict. No villain. Just two people realising, “yeah, we don’t really vibe anymore.” You’re still emotional, of course. Breakups are emotional. But nobody is blaming anybody. You just go your separate ways and respect each other.
Cuffing season
In Europe and the US, this is the autumn and winter period. In Nigeria? Think Harmattan season: cold mornings, cold nights, emotional vulnerability.
This is when single people suddenly start looking for something “serious” to survive the weather, the holidays, and the shivers. It usually runs from around October to Valentine’s Day. It’s less about forever and more about not being alone for the season.
Cushioning
This is when someone can feel their relationship dying, so they start flirting with other people to emotionally cushion the fall. They’re not single yet, but they’re shopping around, just in case. Because God forbid they experience heartbreak without a backup plan. Is it strategic? Yes. Is it messy? Also yes.
DINK (Dual Income, No Kids)
This refers to two people who are together, either married or cohabiting, and they have no plans to have kids. So the lifestyle is a bit more different and glamorous, and they get to party more, travel more, and have more fun because they are not tied down by the economics of having children.
Dry dating
This is for people who do drink but choose to go on dates sober.
Not because they’re anti-alcohol, but because they actually want to know if they like the person without the buzz. It’s very popular among Gen Z and millennials because it helps them have better conversations and connect more authentically with others. If you only like them when they’re tipsy, do you actually like them?
Dry texting
Admit it. You’ve either been the victim or the villain here. This is when replies are just “k”, “cool”, “yeah”, and absolutely nothing else. You start feeling like the person is bored, disinterested, or slowly checking out.
DTR
If you ever receive a text that says “DTR”, it simply means it’s time we define the relationship and stop guessing. This is a crucial conversation where partners clarify the status of their relationship, whether they are exclusive, casual, or open. It’s to establish mutual understanding and to ensure expectations are aligned, because nobody’s catching stupid feelings here.
Entanglement
If you remember the iconic “I was in an entanglement with August” from Jada Pinkett Smith, A+ for you. This is just an unclear relationship with no boundaries and no real commitment. That’s it. Nothing more. Random hookups with no actual conversations. If it’s confusing to explain, it’s probably an entanglement.
Fizzled
You know that person you just met, you’re talking to every day, hanging out, all loved up and excited, and one day it just goes, “bleh!” Yeah, that relationship has fizzled out.
It simply means the relationship gradually loses its passion, intimacy, and communication, resulting in a slow, often silent end rather than a direct breakup.
Floodlighting
This is when you just meet somebody, maybe on the first date, and they start excessively disclosing deep personal trauma or secrets. It’s already so intense that you’re like, “I don’t think I would tell someone I’m dating this until maybe five years in… or ever.” That’s floodlighting. And usually, it’s because the person is trying to force a sense of emotional connection with you. Yeah, we don’t want to be on the other side of the table either.
Freckling
Ever heard that summer is when people are most likely to enter relationships or situationships? Yeah, that’s freckling.
It’s a casual, short-term summer romance. Like when you travel or vacation at a place, have a little romance there, and then it fades once you leave. Except then, you return to the same location and the whole thing resumes again, only for it to end once you leave.
Future faking
Have you ever met someone who, on the first few dates, is already talking about marrying you, moving into a new house with you, and building a whole future together?
They’re giving details and painting pictures of a life you haven’t even started living yet.
Yeah, that’s future faking.
It’s done to gain trust or compliance, with no real intention of following through. It’s often linked to narcissistic behaviour. So if you meet someone today and they’re already talking a lot about the future, maybe pause. They might be future-faking.
FWB
I think the first time I heard “friends with benefits” was in a movie when I was still in my early teens. It’s way more popular now and a lot less stigmatised.
You’re single, casually hooking up with a friend, and getting sexual intimacy without the commitment.
In theory, it’s simple. In practice? It hardly ever ends well because somebody always catches feelings. We just hope it’s not you.
Gaslighting
Ever had an argument with a boyfriend or an ex where you’re explaining something, and they tell you, “No, it’s all in your head”? They make you doubt your memory and your perception, and you leave the conversation thinking, “Okay… am I overthinking this?”
You’ve probably been gaslit.
It involves persistent denial, twisting facts, and lying in ways that leave you confused, anxious, and second-guessing yourself.
Ghosting
Ghosting is when someone suddenly ends all communication with you without any explanation. They stop replying to texts, calls, and even social media messages.
Like when you have a date planned, and everything seems fine, and then the person just stops responding. No explanation. No closure. You’ve probably been ghosted.
Goblintimacy/ Globin mode
I like to call this putting all your cards on the table. It’s when you meet someone, and you’re not trying to perform or be “hotter”. You’re just like, yeah, this is who I am. Take it or leave it. It’s a dating style that lets you be unapologetically yourself without worrying about what anyone thinks.
Golden retriever/ black cat energy
If someone asks whether you’re the golden retriever or the black cat in a relationship, this is what they mean. A black cat type is more reserved, mysterious, independent, and slightly aloof. They’re slow to trust, quiet, and protective. A golden retriever type is high-energy and affectionate. They’re optimistic, enthusiastic, and usually carry the emotional energy of the relationship.
Hard balling
This is when someone is very direct and upfront about their relationship goals, expectations, and deal-breakers from the very beginning—no mixed signals, pretending, or accidental situationships.
It’s like, “I want a committed relationship,” or “I want an open relationship.” From the very first meeting, you’re already clear about what you want in a relationship.
Haunting/ Orbiting
This is when an ex or former fling, who probably ghosted you, suddenly starts appearing on your social media. They’re liking your posts, watching your stories, maybe even commenting… but never actually reaching out.
Hinge baiting
This is when you post very attractive photos or carefully curated videos on dating apps, just to get a specific person’s attention. You’re not trying to meet anyone new; you’re trying to make that one person message you. It’s thirst-trapping but with intention.
Ick
This is that sudden, often irrational feeling of disgust or repulsion towards a partner because of some small behaviour or trait. One tiny thing happens, and your attraction just… disappears. You’re not even sure why it bothered you that much, but it did.
Jealousy baiting
This is a toxic manipulation tactic where someone intentionally tries to provoke jealousy or insecurity in their partner. They might highlight how other people are chasing them or act overly flirtatious with others when you’re around. It’s done to get a reaction.
Kitchen table fantasies/Poly
This one is for people in polyamorous relationships. It’s when someone wants all their partners to be able to hang out together, be at ease, and exist in the same space.
No hiding one person from the other. Everyone knows everyone and can sit at the same table in peace.
Kitten fishing
This is the baby sister of catfishing. It’s when someone slightly misrepresents themselves on dating apps to appear more appealing. Maybe they’re using old, heavily filtered photos, or embellishing lifestyle details.
Like you travelled once last year and you’re posting it four different times to make it look like you’re always on vacation. If you’re doing that, you’re probably kitten fishing.
Love bombing
This is a manipulative tactic early in a relationship where someone gives you excessive affection. They’re calling every day, texting every day, always available, sending gifts, constantly complimenting you. They may even tell you they love you within 48 hours of meeting.
Then, once you’re already in the relationship, the energy disappears. You start thinking, “This is not how it was when I met him.” Baby girl, you were probably love-bombed.
Micro cheating
This is when your partner starts committing small breaches of trust that aren’t full-on infidelity—things like secretly messaging people they find attractive, flirting with certain people, or hiding conversations.
Or when they’re out with the boys, and someone asks, “Do you have a girlfriend?” and they say, “I’m still single.”
Negging
This is an emotional manipulation tactic in which someone offers backhanded compliments disguised as praise. Little insults are packaged as “compliments” to undermine your confidence.
Like, “I don’t usually like fat girls, but I like you,” or “I love that you don’t care what you look like.” It’s done to chip away at your self-esteem so you start seeking their validation.
Paper clipping
This is when someone seemingly interested in you pops up every now and then on your messages or social media to ask something random like, “Hey, what’s up?”
No matter what you reply, the conversation never goes anywhere.
Parallel dating
This is when you’re spending quality time with your partner and making plans to be together, but when you’re in the same space, you’re not necessarily doing the same activity.
You might be in the house together, but each of you is doing your own thing. It’s meant to let couples share space without overwhelming each other.
Peacocking
This is when someone is doing everything possible to be noticed in a room. The loud outfit. The dramatic accessories. The extra confidence that feels a bit… rehearsed. It’s all about standing out and attracting the attention of potential partners.
Sometimes it’s cute. Sometimes it’s try-hard.
Pocketing
This is when one partner intentionally hides the other from their social circle. Friends don’t know you exist. Family doesn’t know you exist. You’re nowhere on their social media.
They get to enjoy the public perception of being single, while you’re kept in the dark. It makes the pocketed person feel like a secret, and that can be really damaging to their mental health.
Quiet Quitting
This is when a partner emotionally checks out and starts reducing effort in the relationship. They begin doing the bare minimum. Not because they’re busy, but because they’re slowly trying to exit.
The goal is for you to get tired and be the one to end things. It’s a way to avoid the confrontation of a breakup.
Rizz
It’s about someone’s ability to charm or seduce a romantic interest through confidence, humour, and how they talk. If someone says, “he’s got rizz,” they mean the person has game. It’s basically flirting skills, but with better PR.
Roaching
This is when a partner hides the fact that they’re seeing or sleeping with multiple other people, while giving you the impression that you’re exclusive.
You think it’s just the two of you. Meanwhile, you’re part of a very busy schedule.
Roster dating
Roster dating is a new approach to dating where you casually date multiple people at the same time, with no guilt, to compare them. It allows you to avoid over-investing in one person too quickly so you can find the best long-term match.
Self-partnered
This is the intentional, proactive commitment to being your own primary partner.
You’re not single in the lonely sense. You’re focused on self-love, taking care of yourself, dating yourself, and treating yourself well. It’s about finding emotional fulfilment outside of a romantic relationship.
Shrekking
This is when someone intentionally dates a person they see as “less attractive” because they think it’ll lead to better treatment.
The logic is: if I date down, I’ll be appreciated more, cheated on less, and treated better overall.
Read Also: The Swag Gap/Shrekking: Why Does Dating Down Never End Well For Straight Women?
Situationship
This is a romantic or sexual relationship that lacks formal commitment, clear boundaries, or a defined future. Unlike an entanglement, one person here usually has expectations.
They believe they’re more than just friends with the other person. But the relationship still lacks real commitment overall.
Slow fading
This is a passive, gradual withdrawal of communication and affection rather than a direct breakup. They start replying later than before, making excuses to avoid meeting, and slowly creating distance.
It leaves you in a state of uncertainty because nothing is ever clearly said. A lot of people say it’s worse than ghosting because it keeps you holding on to hope and causes self-doubt.
Sneaky link
This is a secret, casual sexual partner you hook up with. It’s usually late-night meetups, no emotional commitment, and a desire to keep things hidden.
Some people call it a “side chick”, but it doesn’t have to be demeaning. It’s just casual, private sex.
Sweatpants theory
This is a “come as you are” approach to dating.
You show up in comfortable, casual clothing, like sweatpants or lounge wear, on early dates to show your authentic self right away. The idea is to establish comfort and a genuine connection from the start.
Textationship
This is when you like someone and have feelings for them, but the relationship exists mainly on text. You don’t really call. You don’t video chat. You don’t hang out. You’re just always texting each other.
Throning
This is when someone dates a person to boost their own social status or for clout, not because they actually want a genuine connection. It’s social climbing, not in a money way, but in a “this person is hot and dating them makes me look better” way. The relationship is more about image than intimacy.
Trauma bonding
This is when a relationship becomes a toxic emotional rollercoaster. There are really low moments that can even be abusive, then intense high moments that keep you hooked. The person feels bad, then gets a high, and keeps chasing that high over and over, which keeps them stuck in the relationship.
Alternatively, it can also mean when two people bond over being hurt by the same person or situation, like both dealing with the same abusive boss or mean lecturer, and they mistake that shared suffering for a deeper emotional connection.
Twin flame
This is when you meet someone and the connection feels intense and transformative, as if you’ve met your mirror. It feels like you’re seeing yourself in another person and learning more about who you are through them. There’s usually a lot of shared experiences and emotional intensity. Sometimes, twin flames date. Other times, they just remain friends.
Untyping
This is when you intentionally decide to date outside your usual “type.” Usually, because dating your type over and over hasn’t been working out. So you switch it up to see if breaking the pattern leads to better outcomes.
Vulturing
This is a toxic dating strategy in which a person waits for someone’s current relationship to fail, then swoops in immediately after the breakup. They circle around their “prey” while the relationship is still active, so they can lure them in using manipulating tactics like lovebombing. If you have a friend who is always dating people who just left a relationship, think about it.
Weaponised incompetence
This is when a partner intentionally acts helpless, unskilled, or forgetful to avoid responsibilities, chores, or emotional labour. They keep saying, “I don’t know how,” so the other person ends up doing everything. Some people think it’s cute or harmless. But it’s actually manipulative, even when it looks playful on the surface.
Wokefishing
This is when someone pretends to hold progressive, liberal, or socially conscious views just to attract a partner. They create a false identity to appeal to a certain type of person.
Like a man posing with a popular book women love, so it looks like they read it, when they actually don’t. It has performative values for attraction.
Yes-men dating
This is when someone constantly agrees with you, avoids conflict, and prioritises pleasing their partner at the expense of their own opinions. It can look accommodating at first. But over time, it can feel like there’s no substance or backbone there, which becomes a turn-off.
Zombeing/ Submarining
This is when someone who previously ghosted you suddenly reappears weeks or months later, acting as if nothing happened. No apology. No explanation. Just vibes.
That’s when you hear nonsense like, “We never broke up.” Please be serious.
So there you have it. Dating slang for 2026, compressed into one cheat sheet you can always come back to.
