Seven dating terms you need to know right now
With the advent of what feels like an (almost) normal summer, people are returning to pre-pandemic routines and looking for some fun. That's also the case when it comes to dating. But even though dating has always been tough, technology—namely dating apps and social media—has complicated things. (This is probably not news to you.) Everything moves more quickly and the lexicon changes with each passing year. To keep up, Time Out asked dating and relationship expert Diana Mandell what signs to look out for and terms we should absolutely have in our toolbelt for 2022. Her advice? “If you receive any indication that someone you're dating is showing signs of any of these behaviors, cut off all communication and move on.”
1. Benching
“Benching is a term used to describe someone who is Plan B or C,” says Mandell. “You are kept around on the sidelines if someone feels like it. I describe this as a ‘toy on a shelf.’ When someone feels like engaging with you, they take you off the shelf and when they're done, they put you back and ignore you until they feel like engaging with you again.”
2. Breadcrumbing
Mandell explains, “Breadcrumbing is the emotionally manipulative act of giving just enough attention, time, energy and affection to someone with the intention of keeping them around as long as possible with as little effort as possible. Most people who engage in breadcrumbing are emotionally unavailable and choose not to commit to long-term relationships.” This takes the form of avo