Dating Slang: 12 Terms You Need to Know in 2020

By Jen D., February 12, 2020

Just as dating and courtship have always existed in some form or another, terms of endearment specific to dating have as well. Not only can dating slang be used romantically, to express affection for a partner, but they can also be used to express breakup struggles. If you want to show your date that you like (maybe even love!) them and are also on the cutting edge, try and use the following slang terms this year!

Dating Slang You Need to Know

BAE

Yes, this is one which might have hit its peak but is still used by everyone from celebrities, to your average love birds. While it seems like it might be a cheeky-misspelling of “baby”, it means “before anyone else”.

Example: “Happy Birthday! I love you, BAE!”

DTR

Any guess what it means? If you get it wrong, your date or partner might be pretty upset as it is text speak for “Define The Relationship”. This can be used for the young, shy, or even seasoned daters who want to determine their status in a fresh, hip way by text or social media.

Example: “I noticed that guy asking if you are single. Maybe we should DTR.”

DTF

Now, let’s say you DTR and find out you like one another. Maybe it’s time to ask if they’re DTF (Down to Fuck). Granted, this probably won’t win the love of your life over if you say it in the wrong setting, but it is a pretty quick flirty tool to use when you’re already in a relationship or know you’re going to get a good response.

Example: “I just texted 20 of my contacts to see if they’re DTF. Lol, I just texted you!”

Breadcrumbing

Sending a flirty but non-committal message to someone for attention with no intentions on dating the person.

Catfishing

Like the popular MTV show and the premise to catch scammers and spammers, catfishers are people who pretend to be someone they’re not, specifically online. This can be done for money, a feeling of prestige, out of insecurity or just plain old trickery!

Example: I think that beautiful woman you’ve been talking to is an old woman who’s catfishing you!

Benching

Ever been friend-zoned? “Benching” usually happens in those moments when a guy or girl places you on the sidelines without warning. This slang definition means a love interest isn’t sure about their feelings and keeps contact just in case.

Example: “I think he’s totally benching me while he dates other girls.”

Catch and Release

This doesn’t mean you reeled in the bass while out fishing; instead, it’s about daters who prefer the “hunt” and “chase” to actual relationships. This is used interchangeably also to describe terrible dates.

Example: “When I met my Tinder date in person, I realized she was more of a catch and release.”

Cushioning

Cushioning is the process of staying with one or more romantic partners or otherwise known as side pieces, that’s a bonus word, As a back up in case things don’t work out smoothly with the one that could have had it all. The cushions are typically kept at the periphery, through texting as opposed to full-blown cheating.

DFMO

If DFMO sounds like the name of a cool band, you’re close! DFMO translates to “Dance Floor Make Out” and is the expression used to describe drunken club and party goers who find themselves locking lips. While people can also DFMO while completely sober, it happens more often in a party style atmosphere.

Example: The only instance of DFMO is visual. Imagine two gaping mouths kissing sloppily after flirting all night or as an exhibitionist.

Swerve

You know that person at the office, school, or a party who you have no interest in? Swerve is just what the visual sounds like – avoiding someone who is romantically interested in you.

Example: “I had to swerve at the bar as that guy in the orange shirt was eyeing me again!”

Ghosting

Ghosting is when someone you liked, loved, dated, or were interested in seemingly disappears off the face of the planet. They might ignore phone calls, texts, emails, or even block you on social networks. It’s commonly used by people afraid of confrontation or those who want to avoid an ill thought of an ex-lover.

Example: “Rumor has it that Charlize Theron ghosted Sean Penn when they broke up!”

Roaching

Roaching is a new dating trend where people still date around even though they just got into a new relationship. Once confronted by their current partner, they simply state that they were under the impression that there was no implication of monogamy to begin with. Those are some big words. Be sure to check out dictionary.com for more details on those specific words.

Slow Fade

The more gradual relationship ending is called the “slow fade.” Imagine your love interest goes from texting regularly/consistently, to texting only once or twice a day or even skipping days. It’s a way of breaking up or dodging someone without them often knowing what has happened. It’s often compared to removing a band-aid slowly and painfully, though less slow than ghosting.

Example: “Things were going okay until date 3. Now I have them on slow fade.”

Slaying

When you want someone only for sex or they want you for the same, a player will proudly boast of their sexual bravado by claiming they “slayed” someone. The end goal for a slayer is all the bases. They aren’t looking for love and usually won’t stick around long. Slaying often leads to ghosting!

Example: “I’m slaying five girls in that dorm!”

Submarining

Submarining is when an old flame pops up back into your life after a lengthy period of silence. Rather than owning up to the disappearance, they act as if dipping without warning is normal behavior. They know that they have you wrapped around your finger, so instead of apologizing or explaining things, they just let it go.

Kittenfishing

Kittenfishing is when you portray yourself in an unrealistically positive light on dating profiles. We all do this to some extent, but it’s borderline dishonest. It’s when you Photoshop an old profile picture of yourself or when you list yourself as a doctor, knowing damn well you’re a medical student.

Know any other dating slang we didn’t include in our post that you use daily? Let us know in the comments below!