Gen Z Dating Terms Explained: Situationship, Ghosting, Breadcrumbing and More

By the Pookeez team · 21 October 2026 · 6 min read

Your friend says they’re in a situationship with someone who’s been breadcrumbing them, and you nod like you understand. Dating slang moves fast. Here’s a plain-English guide to the dating terms you’ll hear today, from ghosting to green flags.

Relationship terms

Situationship

A connection that’s more than friends but not quite a relationship, usually without clear labels or commitment. Fine if you both want it, confusing if one of you wants more.

Talking stage

The early phase where you’re chatting and getting to know someone, before you’re officially dating.

Soft launch and hard launch

A soft launch is hinting at a new partner on social media, like a hand in a photo or two coffee cups. A hard launch is posting them properly, face and all.

DTR

Short for “define the relationship”: the conversation where you figure out what you are to each other.

Behaviours to watch out for

Ghosting

Ending things by suddenly disappearing: no replies, no explanation. It’s common, but it hurts. If you’re no longer interested, a short, kind message is always better.

Breadcrumbing

Sending just enough attention, like an occasional like or flirty message, to keep someone interested without any intention of committing.

Love bombing

Overwhelming someone with affection, gifts and big declarations very early on. It can feel romantic, but it’s often a way to rush trust. It’s also a common tactic in romance scams. Learn more in our safe online dating tips.

Orbiting

When someone stops talking to you but keeps watching your stories and liking your posts.

Zombieing

When someone who ghosted you comes back as if nothing happened.

Benching

Keeping someone as a backup option: interested enough to keep in touch, not enough to actually date.

Catfishing

Pretending to be someone else online, using fake photos or a fake identity. On Pookeez, every profile is ID-verified with an Aadhaar check and a live selfie to keep catfish out.

Vibe check terms

Green flag

A sign someone would be a good partner, like being consistent, kind and respectful of your boundaries.

Red flag

A warning sign, like controlling behaviour, dishonesty or pressure. See our full list of green flags and red flags in dating.

Beige flag

A quirk that’s neither good nor bad, just a bit odd. Like someone who only ever orders the same dish.

The ick

A sudden turn-off, often over something small, that you can’t unsee. Like running after a bus, or clapping when the plane lands.

Rizz

Charm or flirting skill. Someone with good rizz knows how to start a conversation.

Dating app terms

Match

When two people both like each other on a dating app, letting them chat.

Super like and boost

A super like shows someone you’re especially interested. A boost puts your profile in front of more people for a while. On many apps these are paid. On Pookeez they’re free.

Unmatch

Removing a match so you can no longer message each other.

Opener

The first message you send a match. Need ideas? Try our 25 openers that beat “hey”.

Dating terms FAQs

What is a situationship?

A situationship is a romantic connection without clear labels or commitment. It’s more than friendship, but not an official relationship.

What is breadcrumbing in dating?

Breadcrumbing is giving someone small, occasional bits of attention to keep them interested, without any real intention of committing.

What does ghosting mean?

Ghosting means ending contact with someone suddenly and without explanation, by no longer replying to messages or calls.

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No situationships. No catfish. Just real people.