Breadcrumbing, Benching & more: 7 dating terms you should know this Valentine’s Day

Breadcrumbing is when someone gives you just enough attention—flirty texts, sporadic likes, or occasional check-ins—to keep you interested without committing. It creates false hope, leaving the other person emotionally invested in a relationship that may never materialize.

Benching is similar to keeping someone "on hold." A person engages with you inconsistently, just enough to maintain your interest, while actively dating or exploring other options. They don’t fully commit but don’t let go either, treating you as a backup in case their primary interest doesn’t work out.

Cushioning happens when someone in a committed relationship flirts or engages with other potential partners as a safety net. This provides emotional security in case their main relationship fails, allowing them to transition smoothly rather than experiencing a hard breakup.

Love bombing is an intense display of affection and attention at the beginning of a relationship, often involving grand gestures, excessive flattery, and constant communication. However, it’s usually manipulative, as the love bomber seeks control over their partner before withdrawing affection or becoming toxic.

Pocketing occurs when someone intentionally hides their partner from family, friends, or social media. They avoid introducing their significant other to their inner circle, making the relationship feel secretive or unacknowledged. This could signal a lack of commitment or an attempt to maintain multiple romantic connections.

Ghosting is when someone suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. One day, they’re actively engaging, and the next, they vanish—ignoring calls, texts, and messages. This leaves the other person confused and hurt, with no closure or understanding of what went wrong.

Zombeing is when a person who previously ghosted you reappears in your life, acting as if nothing happened. They might send a casual "Hey" or engage with your posts, trying to reconnect without acknowledging their past disappearance. This often leads to confusion and emotional turmoil for the person who was ghosted.