Raising a teen in today’s world can feel like learning a whole new language. I’ve lost count of the times my daughter has said something that left me scratching my head. From social media slang to dating lingo, keeping up with Gen Z’s ever-evolving vocabulary is no small feat for parents.
This guide is here to help you decode 25 key relationship terms your teen might be using. By the end of this blog, you’ll be fluent in everything from “situationships” to “soft launching,” and ready to navigate the complex world of modern teen dating alongside your child.
Yeeting
Yeeting is when someone ends a relationship suddenly and without warning. It’s like throwing away the whole relationship at once. This term comes from the slang word “yeet,” which means to throw something with force. Teens might use this to describe a breakup that happened out of nowhere.
Ghosting
Ghosting is when someone stops communicating with you without explanation. They disappear like a ghost, ignoring calls, texts, and messages. This can be very hurtful, especially if you thought the relationship was going well. Ghosting is sadly common in the world of online dating and social media.
Situationship
A situationship is a romantic relationship that’s not officially defined. It’s more than friends, but not quite a committed couple. People in situationships often have feelings for each other but haven’t had the “what are we?” talk. This can be confusing and sometimes leads to hurt feelings if both people aren’t on the same page.
Soft launching
Soft launching is when someone hints at a new relationship on social media without fully revealing it. They might post a picture of their partner’s hand or a blurry photo of them in the background. It’s a way to test the waters and see how friends react before making the relationship “official” online.
Benching
Benching is keeping someone as a backup option while you date other people. It’s like putting them on the bench in sports – you’re not playing them, but you’re keeping them around just in case. This can be hurtful for the person being benched, as they’re left waiting and hoping for more attention.
Breadcrumbing
Breadcrumbing is when someone sends occasional messages to keep someone interested, without any intention of starting a real relationship. It’s like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs – just enough to keep the other person following. This behavior can be frustrating and manipulative, leading the recipient on without any real commitment.
Cuffing season
Cuffing season is the time of year when single people look for short-term relationships to get through the cold winter months. It usually starts in the fall and ends in spring. During this time, people might be more eager to couple up, even if it’s just temporary. The idea is to have someone to cuddle with and attend holiday events together.
Catching feelings
Catching feelings means developing romantic feelings for someone unexpectedly. It’s like catching a cold – it happens suddenly and can be hard to control. This often happens in casual relationships where one person starts to want something more serious. It can be exciting but also scary, especially if you’re not sure the other person feels the same way.
DTR (Define The Relationship)
DTR stands for “Define The Relationship.” It’s an important conversation where two people discuss what their relationship is and where it’s going. This talk can be nerve-wracking but it’s crucial for understanding each other’s expectations. After a DTR talk, both people should know if they’re just friends, casually dating, or in a committed relationship.
Flexing
Flexing means showing off or bragging about your relationship on social media. It’s like flexing a muscle – you’re trying to impress others. People might post lots of couple photos, write long captions about their love, or share expensive gifts from their partner. While it can be fun to share happy moments, too much flexing can make others feel bad or put pressure on the relationship.
Friends with benefits
Friends with benefits are two people who are friends and also have a sexual relationship, without being romantically involved. This arrangement can be complicated because feelings might develop over time. It’s important for both people to be clear about their expectations and boundaries. This type of relationship doesn’t work for everyone and can sometimes lead to hurt feelings or damaged friendships.
Haunting
Haunting is when someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears in your social media life. They might like your posts or watch your stories, but still won’t respond to direct messages. This behavior can be confusing and unsettling for the person being haunted. It’s like they’re being reminded of the person who disappeared from their life but without any real reconnection.
Love bombing
Love bombing is when someone showers you with excessive affection and attention early in a relationship. They might send constant messages, buy lavish gifts, or make big promises about the future. While it can feel flattering at first, love bombing is often a red flag for controlling or manipulative behavior. It’s important to be cautious if someone is coming on too strong too quickly.
Netflix and chill
“Netflix and chill” is a casual invitation that usually means hanging out and hooking up. Despite mentioning Netflix, there’s often little actual TV watching involved. This phrase became popular as a code for intimate encounters, especially among younger people. It’s important for teens to understand the real meaning behind this phrase to avoid misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations.
On read
Being left “on read” means someone has seen your message (shown by read receipts) but hasn’t replied. This can be frustrating and make you wonder why they’re not responding. Sometimes it’s because they’re busy, but other times it might be a sign they’re not interested in talking. In the age of instant messaging, being left “on read” can feel like a form of rejection.
Red flag
A red flag is a warning sign in a relationship that something isn’t right. It could be a behavior, attitude, or situation that suggests potential problems. Examples might include jealousy, controlling behavior, or dishonesty. It’s important to pay attention to red flags early in a relationship. Ignoring them can lead to bigger issues down the road.
Secure the bag
“Secure the bag” in dating means to successfully start a relationship with someone you like. The “bag” represents the person you’re interested in. This phrase comes from slang about making money, but it’s been adapted to relationships. While it’s a playful way to talk about dating success, it’s good to remember that people aren’t prizes to be won.
Ship
To “ship” a couple means you support or encourage their relationship. It comes from the word “relationship.” People might ship real couples they know or even fictional characters from books or TV shows. Shipping can be a fun way for friends to show they approve of a relationship. However, it’s important not to put too much pressure on real couples based on what others think.
Simp
A “simp” is someone who does way too much for a person they like, hoping to win their affection. This might involve constantly complimenting them, doing favors, or spending money on them without getting much in return. While it’s nice to do things for people you care about, being a simp often means neglecting your own needs and dignity in the process.
Sliding into DMs
“Sliding into DMs” means sending someone a private message on social media, usually to flirt or express romantic interest. DM stands for “direct message.” This is a common way for people to make the first move online. While it can lead to connections, it’s important to be respectful and aware that not everyone welcomes unexpected messages from strangers.
Slow fade
The slow fade is when someone gradually reduces communication and pulls away from a relationship instead of ending it directly. They might take longer to reply to messages, cancel plans more often, or seem less interested in talking. This can be confusing and hurtful for the other person. While it might seem easier than a direct breakup, it often leaves things unclear and can drag out the pain of ending a relationship.
Talking stage
The “talking stage” is the period when two people are getting to know each other before officially dating. They might text frequently, hang out casually, or go on a few dates. This stage is about figuring out if you like each other enough to start a relationship. It can be exciting but also confusing, as the boundaries aren’t always clear. Good communication is key during this time to make sure both people are on the same page.
Thirst trap
A thirst trap is a sexy photo posted on social media to attract attention. The word “thirst” here means a strong desire for attention or approval. These photos are often designed to make others find the poster attractive. While it can be fun to share photos you feel good about, it’s important to think about the potential consequences and your comfort level with that kind of attention.
Ick
Getting the “ick” means suddenly being turned off by someone you were previously attracted to. It’s often triggered by something small or seemingly insignificant, like the way they laugh or a habit they have. Once someone gets the ick, it’s hard to see the person the same way again. This sudden change in feelings can be confusing for both people involved.
Zaddy
A “zaddy” is an attractive older man who is fashionable, charming, and confident. It’s similar to “Daddy” but with a more stylish and put-together image. This term is often used playfully to describe celebrities or older crushes. While it’s meant as a compliment, it’s good to be aware that some people might find age-based terms uncomfortable.
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