Dating
Modern dating decoded. Situationships, red flags, and everything your therapist wishes you already knew.
23 terms explained
What Does 'No Contact' Mean?
Completely cutting off all communication with someone, usually an ex or toxic person.
datingWhat Does 'Pookie Bear' Mean?
Pookie bear is an ultra-cute, slightly cringe pet name for your romantic partner that's gone viral.
datingWhat Does 'Ick' Mean?
That sudden turn-off feeling when someone does something that kills your attraction instantly.
datingWhat Does 'Cuffing Season' Mean?
The period during colder months when people seek relationships to avoid being alone through winter.
datingWhat Does 'Pookie' Mean in Relationships?
An adorable pet name for your partner that's giving major cute couple energy.
datingWhat Does 'Down Bad' Mean?
Being desperately attracted to someone or in an embarrassingly needy romantic situation.
datingWhat Does 'Gaslighting' Mean?
Manipulating someone into questioning their own reality, memory, or perceptions.
datingWhat Does 'Girlfriend Effect' Mean?
When men dramatically improve their appearance and lifestyle after getting a girlfriend.
datingWhat Does 'Hard Launch' Mean in Dating?
Publicly revealing your relationship on social media with clear, obvious posts.
datingWhat Does 'Book Tok Boyfriend' Mean?
The idealized romantic partner inspired by love interests from popular BookTok romance novels.
datingWhat Does 'Orange Peel Theory' Mean?
Small acts of service reveal if your partner truly cares about making your life easier.
datingWhat Does 'Pookie' Mean?
A cute pet name for someone special, like babe or honey but make it Gen-Z.
datingWhat Does 'Beige Flag' Mean?
Neutral dating traits that aren't deal-breakers but aren't exciting either — just boring
datingWhat Is 'Vanilla Dating'?
Traditional, straightforward dating without all the modern complications and games.
datingWhat Is 'Micro-Cheating'?
Micro-cheating is small acts of betrayal in relationships — not full affairs, but crossing boundaries in subtle ways.
datingWhat Is 'Love Bombing'?
Love bombing is overwhelming someone with excessive affection early in dating to manipulate and control them.
datingWhat Is 'Ghosting'?
When someone suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. One day they're texting you back instantly, the next — complete silence.
datingWhat Is 'Soft Launching' in Dating?
Soft launching is posting about your relationship without fully revealing your partner — giving hints without the full reveal.
datingWhat Is 'Love Bombing'?
Love bombing is when someone overwhelms you with affection early on to manipulate and control you. It feels amazing until it doesn't.
datingWhat Is a 'Situationship'?
A situationship is a romantic connection that's more than friends but less than a relationship. It's the undefined zone. Good luck.
datingWhat Is the 'Ick'?
The ick is a sudden, visceral feeling of disgust toward someone you're dating. One moment you're into them, the next — ick. It's over.
datingWhat Are 'Red Flags' in Dating?
Red flags are warning signs that someone is bad news. 🚩 If you see them early, you can save yourself a LOT of therapy.
datingWhat Are 'Green Flags' in Dating?
Green flags are the GOOD signs — the traits and behaviors that mean someone is actually worth your time. We love to see it.