The New York TimesThe New York Times

'Ghosting,' 'Orbiting,' 'Rizz': A guide to modern dating terms

By Gina Cherelus

12 Feb 2023 · 4 min read

Editor's Note

Have you "soft-launched" your partner yet? Did you "love bomb" someone on Valentines Day? Modern dating lingo may be a mystery to some. The NYT has you covered.

(Terms of Endearment)

Picture this: You’re currently single and “cobwebbing” in the aftermath of your previous failed relationship. The attractive person you thought had “rizz” is starting to exhibit “beige flags,” so you turn to your ongoing “situationship” for attention, but deep down you hope to meet someone worth “soft-launching” on Instagram. Can you relate?

Sign in to informed

  • Curated articles from premium publishers, ad-free
  • Concise Daily Briefs with quick-read summaries
  • Read, listen, save for later, or enjoy offline
  • Enjoy personalized content
Or

LoginForm.agreeToTerms