Vice Women

Ever heard someone say “delusionship” or “Banksying” and had no clue what planet they were dating on?

Welcome to the wild world of Gen Z dating slang, where emotional chaos gets rebranded with meme-worthy labels. These viral terms aren’t just for laughs—they actually help make sense of modern relationships, especially in 2025, where the lines between casual, complicated, and committed are blurrier than ever.

Whether you’re a Millennial trying to decode Hinge bios or Gen Z yourself and just want to stay updated, consider this your go-to glossary. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what these slang terms mean—and how to spot them when they show up in real life (or your DMs).

What Is Gen Z Dating Slang?

Gen Z dating slang is the language of modern love—quick, catchy, and born entirely online. These terms describe dating behaviors, emotional patterns, red flags, and relationship phases in ways that are way more specific (and entertaining) than traditional labels.

Let’s break down the most viral dating slangs Gen Z is using in 2025—and what they actually mean.

9 Gen Z Dating Slang Terms You Need to Know in 2025

1. Delusionship

• Definition: A one-sided fantasy relationship based on minimal interaction—usually a like, emoji, or story view.

• How it plays out: You barely talked, but in your head, it’s already serious. Common in parasocial crushes.

• Real-life example: “I planned our future after he smiled at me once. It’s giving delusionship.”

2. Beige Flag

• Definition: A mildly weird or neutral habit that’s not a red flag, but not entirely green either.

• How it plays out:  They rate their sleep quality out of 10 every morning. They refuse to use Google Maps, they “trust their instincts.”

• Real-life example: “His beige flag? He waves goodbye to Zoom calls even when the camera’s off. It’s one of those things that could be kinda cute or kinda odd, depending on who you ask.”

3. Banksying

• Definition: Sabotaging a relationship slowly and silently.

• How it plays out: They ghost you softly, showing up less, avoiding real talks, and subtly pulling away until it collapses.

• Real-life example: “He kept canceling and never replied to anything serious. Total Banksying.”

4. Floodlighting

• Definition: Dumping emotional baggage early in dating, under the guise of vulnerability.

• How it plays out: On date two, they unload childhood trauma and deep insecurities, leaving you emotionally cornered.

• Real-life example: “We were just getting drinks—he started talking about his ex and therapy within 10 minutes. Total floodlighting.”

5. Cuffing

• Definition: Pairing up during colder months for temporary comfort, not long-term love.

• How it plays out: As winter hits, people seek cozy companionship—just until spring. Think Netflix, takeout, and blanket-sharing, minus the long-term plan.

• Real-life example: “We met in November. By March? Uncuffed.”

6. Dry Dating

• Definition: Going on alcohol-free dates to build a real emotional connection from the start.

• How it plays out: Instead of cocktails, it’s coffee or walking dates. It’s intentional, low-pressure, and free of boozy blur.

• Real-life example: “We went on a dry date—no drinks, just bookstore browsing and deep talk. Felt more real.”

7. Zombie-ing

• Definition: When someone disappears (ghosts) and then reappears out of nowhere, acting like nothing happened.

• How it plays out: No texts for weeks. Then, “Hey, you up?” at 2 AM. Classic zombie move.

• Real-life example: “He ghosted me in January and texted in June like we’d just talked yesterday. Zombie alert.”

8. Benching

• Definition: Stringing someone along without fully committing, just in case you want them later.

• How it plays out: They flirt, text randomly, and seem into you but never make actual plans or define the relationship.

• Real-life example: “He checks in just often enough to keep me interested. I know I’m being benched.”

9. Breadcrumbing 

• Definition: Sending small, inconsistent signs of interest to keep someone emotionally invested, with no intention to commit.

• How it plays out: They DM you every few days, drop a flirty reply, then vanish again. Rinse and repeat.

• Real-life example: “He’ll reply to one IG story, then ghost for a week. I’m just getting breadcrumbed.”

Final Thoughts

Dating in 2025 isn’t just about swipes and texts—it’s about understanding the language of modern love. Whether you’re decoding a delusionship or clocking a beige flag, knowing what’s what gives you the upper hand. So next time someone ghosts you and shows back up like nothing happened? You’ll know exactly what to call it—and what to do.

Because when you understand the game, you’re not just playing it. You’re leading it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Most Viral Dating Slang Words in 2025?

The most viral dating slangs in 2025 include delusionship, floodlighting, Banksying, cannonballing, and throning. These terms are trending across TikTok, Reddit, and dating apps, especially among Gen Z daters navigating modern love and emotional behavior in relationships.

Is “Floodlighting” Toxic in Relationships?

Yes. Floodlighting (oversharing emotional trauma too early in dating) is often mistaken for vulnerability, but experts say it’s actually a form of emotional manipulation. It prevents authentic connection and can leave the other person feeling overwhelmed or trapped.

How Is Banksying Different From Ghosting?

Ghosting is when someone disappears from a relationship abruptly with zero explanation. Banksying, on the other hand, is a slow emotional fade—the person gradually pulls back, avoids real conversations, and lets the connection self-destruct quietly.

Why Is Dry Dating Trending in 2025?

Dry dating, or sober dating, is rising due to mental wellness trends and Gen Z’s focus on authentic, alcohol-free connections. More people prefer clarity and genuine conversation without relying on drinks to ease the pressure.

Are These Gen Z Dating Slangs Used Globally?

Yes, though most of these viral dating slangs originated in the US and UK, they’ve gone global thanks to TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, and dating apps like Hinge and Bumble. They’re now part of a worldwide digital dating language.

What Is Gen Z Slang for Love in 2025?

Some of the most popular Gen Z slang for love are “catch feels,” “freak matching,” and “throning.” These phrases describe the emotional highs, awkward quirks, and status-driven dynamics common in digital-age dating.