Why Learn the Terminology?
If you are new to online dating, you may encounter words and phrases that are unfamiliar. The dating world has developed its own vocabulary, much of which originated on dating apps and social media. Understanding these terms can help you navigate conversations, recognize certain behaviors, and feel more confident as you explore online dating.
You do not need to memorize every term. Many of them describe behaviors you may never encounter. But knowing the most common ones can help you understand what people mean when they use them and recognize situations that may require caution.
Key Point
You do not need to use these terms yourself to be successful at online dating. They are simply tools for understanding the culture. What matters most is being genuine, kind, and clear in your communication.
Common Dating Terms
- Match. When two people express mutual interest on a dating platform, they are a "match." This usually allows them to message each other.
- Swipe. On some dating apps, you indicate interest by swiping right on a profile and disinterest by swiping left. The term "swipe" has become shorthand for this action, even on platforms that use buttons instead of swiping gestures.
- DM. Short for "direct message." A private message sent to someone on a platform.
- Profile. Your personal page on a dating site that includes your photos, description, and other information about you.
- Bio. Short for "biography." The text section of your profile where you describe yourself.
- Like. On many platforms, you can "like" someone's profile or photo to show interest without sending a full message.
Terms for Behavior on Dating Apps
- Ghosting. When someone you have been communicating with suddenly stops responding without any explanation. They essentially vanish like a ghost. While ghosting is considered rude, it is unfortunately common in online dating.
- Catfishing. When someone creates a fake online identity to deceive others. A catfish uses photos and information that are not their own, often to build a relationship under false pretenses. This is a form of deception and often leads to scams.
- Breadcrumbing. When someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested but never commits to actually meeting or moving the relationship forward. They leave a trail of "breadcrumbs" of attention without any real substance.
- Benching. When someone keeps you as a backup option while they pursue other people. They stay in touch but never make you a priority.
- Love bombing. When someone overwhelms you with excessive affection, compliments, and promises early in the relationship. This is often a manipulation tactic designed to create emotional dependency.
- Orbiting. When someone stops communicating with you directly but continues to interact with your social media content, such as liking your posts or viewing your stories.
Scam-Related Terms
- Romance scam. A type of fraud in which a scammer creates a fake identity to build a romantic relationship and eventually steal money. For more information, see our article on how to spot a romance scammer.
- Catfish. A person who creates a fake online persona. This term is used both for people who are scamming and for those who are simply misrepresenting themselves.
- Phishing. An attempt to get personal or financial information by pretending to be someone trustworthy. In dating, this might look like someone asking for your email, then sending you a link to a fake website.
Terms You Do Not Need to Know
There are many dating terms that are primarily used by younger generations and are unlikely to be relevant to your experience. Terms like "situationship," "cuffing season," "soft launch," and "rizz" are not necessary for you to understand or use. Focus on the terms that help you recognize behaviors and stay safe, and ignore the rest.
For more guidance on navigating online dating platforms, see our articles on how senior dating sites work and how to write a senior dating profile.