15 Dating Slang Terms explained by ChatGPT

When it comes to talking about dating in 2023, you need a whole new vocabulary.

And while most of us have heard of ghosting by now, you may find yourself occasionally pretending you know what your friend means when she tells you, “Ugh, my Tinder date is giving me the ick.”

To make sure that you never mix up grafting and lurking, sexting and soft launching, we’ve put together a handy guide to all the new dating terms you should know about – but with a twist…

We asked ChatGPT, the AI tool taking the internet by storm, to explain the most popular (and most currently used) dating slang terms.

Some are accurate and others are downright hilarious. Take it away ChatGPT!

Situationship

A “situationship” is a term used to describe a romantic relationship that is undefined or uncertain.

It typically refers to a relationship that is not formalized or committed, but it is also not purely casual or just for fun.

A situationship often involves two people who are exploring their feelings for each other and considering whether to take the relationship to the next level.

It is often characterized by a lack of clear boundaries, uncertainty about the future, and a lack of commitment.

Situationships can be emotionally complex and challenging, as both partners may have different expectations and desires.

Soft Launch

In the context of dating, a “soft launch” could refer to a process of slowly introducing a new romantic relationship to friends, family, and social circles.

Similar to a soft launch of a product, a soft launch in dating allows for testing and refinement of the relationship before making a full commitment.

During a soft launch in dating, couples may keep the relationship private, only introducing each other to close friends and family.

This allows them to get to know each other better, build a stronger connection, and determine if they are compatible before making a more public commitment.

The soft launch approach can also help couples avoid potential challenges or conflicts that may arise when introducing a new romantic partner to a wider social circle.

Friend Zoned

The term “friend zoned” refers to a situation in which one person in a friendship wants to pursue a romantic relationship with the other person, but the other person only sees them as a friend.

In other words, the person who wants a romantic relationship is “stuck” in a platonic friendship and is not able to move the relationship to a romantic level.

Being friend-zoned can be disappointing and difficult, especially if the person who wants a romantic relationship has strong feelings for the other person.

However, it is important to remember that mutual feelings and attraction are crucial components of a romantic relationship, and if one person is not interested in pursuing a romantic relationship, it is best to respect their feelings and move on.

Ghosting

“Ghosting” is a term used to describe the act of suddenly ending all communication and contact with someone without any explanation or warning.

In the context of relationships, ghosting is when one person abruptly cuts off all communication with their romantic partner, without offering any explanation or closure.

Ghosting is often considered disrespectful and hurtful behaviour, as it can leave the person who was ghosted feeling confused, rejected, and abandoned.

The sudden and unexplained lack of contact can be particularly difficult for someone who was in a relationship or was hoping to pursue a relationship with the person who ghosted them.

There are many reasons why someone might ghost their partner, such as fear of confrontation, feeling overwhelmed, or simply losing interest.

Cuffing Season

“Cuffing season” is a term used to describe the phenomenon of people seeking out romantic partners during the fall and winter months.

The term is often used to refer to people who are looking for temporary or seasonal relationships during the colder months, when they may be more likely to want to spend time indoors with a partner.

During cuffing season, people may be more likely to be looking for someone to share the holiday season with or to provide emotional support during the darker and colder months.

The idea is that people are more likely to want to be in a relationship during this time, as opposed to being single, as a way to cope with the winter blues and to have a partner to cuddle with.

It is important to note that cuffing season is not a scientifically established phenomenon and the idea of it may vary depending on the individual and their cultural background.

Sexting

“Sexting” refers to the act of sending sexually explicit or suggestive text messages or images, typically via a smartphone or other electronic device.

Sexting is a form of sexual communication that can involve exchanging sexual text messages, photos, or videos between individuals.

Sexting can be a fun and intimate way for individuals to explore their sexuality and express their desires.

However, it is also important to be mindful of the risks associated with sexting.

For example, if the images or messages are shared with others, the person who created the content could face embarrassment or humiliation.

Lurking

“Lurking” in the context of dating refers to the act of observing or monitoring someone’s online activity or presence, typically on a dating app or social media platform, without actively engaging or communicating with them.

Lurking can also refer to someone present in a social situation but does not actively participate or engage with others.

In the world of online dating, lurking can refer to someone who is observing the profiles and activity of potential partners without making contact or sending messages.

This behaviour can be seen as a way for individuals to learn more about potential partners, without actually putting themselves out there or risking rejection.

Puppy Love

“Puppy love” is a term used to describe a feeling of romantic infatuation or attachment that is felt by young people, typically in their teenage years.

The term is used to describe a type of relationship that is characterized by intense feelings of attraction and affection but is often considered to be immature or fleeting.

Puppy love is often thought of as a transitory stage in a person’s romantic development, and is seen as a stepping stone towards more mature and meaningful relationships later in life.

This type of infatuation is often associated with a lack of real-life experience and is seen as a result of hormonal changes and emotional intensity that is common during adolescence.

Doing Bits

“Doing bits” is a slang term that is often used to describe sexual activity between individuals.

The term is generally used informally and can refer to a wide range of sexual behaviours, from flirting and kissing to more intimate and explicit sexual acts.

It is important to remember that all sexual activities should be consensual and respectful of the individuals involved.

Before engaging in any sexual activity, it is important to communicate openly and honestly with one’s partner about boundaries, comfort levels, and desires.

This can help ensure that the experience is positive and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Shoot Your Shot

“Shoot your shot” is a slang expression that means to take a chance or make an attempt at something, especially in the context of dating or romance.

This expression is often used to encourage someone to be bold and confident in pursuing a romantic interest or to take advantage of a particular opportunity or situation.

In dating, “shooting your shot” can mean expressing your interest in someone, asking them out on a date, or making a move to initiate a romantic relationship.

This expression is often used in the context of taking a risk, as pursuing someone you are interested in can be a nerve-wracking experience.

The Ick

“The ick” is a slang term used to describe a feeling of discomfort or aversion that one experiences towards a romantic or sexual partner.

This feeling is often characterized by a sense of unease or disgust and can be a result of a variety of factors, such as incompatible personalities, differing values, or physical attraction.

The ick is a common experience in the dating world and can occur at any stage of a relationship, from the first date to a long-term partnership.

If you are experiencing the ick, it is important to listen to your gut and trust your instincts, as these feelings can often indicate that a relationship may not be a good match for you.

If you are experiencing the ick, it can be helpful to talk to your partner about your feelings and to try to understand why you are having these reactions.

Pied Off

“Pied off” is a slang expression used to describe the feeling of being rejected or “played” in a romantic or sexual context.

The term is derived from the word “pie,” which is a British slang term used to describe a situation in which someone is tricked or made a fool of.

In the context of dating, “pied off” can refer to the feeling of being rejected by someone you were interested in, or to the experience of being “friend-zoned” or led on.

This feeling can be painful and can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, and embarrassment.

Grafting

“Grafting” is a British slang term used to describe the process of actively pursuing someone in a romantic or sexual context.

It typically refers to putting in effort and time to woo someone and can involve things like sending messages, making plans, or going out of one’s way to being helpful or considerate.

In the context of dating, “grafting” can refer to the process of trying to win someone over or to build a relationship with someone you are interested in.

It can involve putting in effort and energy to make the other person feel appreciated and special and can involve things like planning romantic gestures or surprises, sending thoughtful messages, or simply making the time to spend with the other person.

Crack On

“Crack on” is a British slang term used to describe the process of actively pursuing someone in a romantic or sexual context.

It can refer to making advances or flirting with someone you are interested in, or trying to get their attention more aggressively or assertively.

In the context of dating, “cracking on” can involve making a move, expressing your feelings, or trying to get closer to someone you are interested in.

It can be seen as a way of taking control and making your intentions known, but it is also important to remember that everyone moves at their own pace and that not everyone will be receptive to your advances.

Peng

“Peng” is a slang term that is sometimes used to describe someone attractive or good-looking.

In the context of dating, “peng” can refer to someone who is considered to be physically attractive and desirable as a romantic partner.

For example, someone might say, “I met a peng girl at the party last night.”

This means that they met a girl who they considered to be very attractive and desirable.

It’s important to remember that physical appearance is just one aspect of a person and that other factors such as personality, interests, values, and compatibility are also important in a relationship.

There are so many new terms that are part of the online dating lexicon that it’s hard to keep up, and the list just keeps getting longer.

We’ve opened a new realm of possibility when it comes to the written word.

Whether it’s cover letters, speeches, or even what to write in a Valentine’s Day card, ChatGPT has managed to make some of the most tedious tasks easy.

Will you be turning to the software to help you decode your dating life?