The dating scene has evolved significantly in recent years, and with it, a whole new vocabular...
The dating scene has evolved significantly in recent years, and with it, a whole new vocabulary has emerged, especially among Indian millennials. These terms, often coined in the world of online dating and modern relationships, have become part of everyday conversations. However, the meanings behind these terms can be confusing, especially for those just stepping into the world of digital romance. From “situationship” to “benching,” these trendy words shed light on the ever-changing landscape of how millennials in India approach relationships.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular dating terms among Indian millennials and explore how they influence modern romantic connections.
One of the most talked-about terms today is “situationship.” This term describes a romantic relationship that falls somewhere between casual dating and friendship. In a situationship, two people share emotional and physical intimacy but are not officially in a relationship. They may hang out together, text, and engage in romantic activities, but there is no clear commitment or definition to the relationship.
For many millennials in India, this has become a common situation, especially in the early stages of dating apps where connections often don’t move forward into something more serious. Situationships are convenient and provide comfort without the pressure of labels, but they can leave people feeling confused and unsure of where they stand.
Another popular term making its way into the Indian dating lexicon is “benching.” Imagine you're playing a game, and someone is temporarily put on the sidelines, waiting for their turn. In dating, this concept applies to when someone keeps a romantic interest on “standby” but doesn’t actively pursue or invest in the relationship. They may show interest when convenient, but there’s no genuine intention of building something deeper.
Benching often happens when one person is keeping their options open while not fully committing to someone else. It can be frustrating for the person being benched, who may feel strung along without clear intentions. Unfortunately, this term is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced digital dating world, where many people juggle multiple matches at the same time.
We’ve all heard of "ghosting," but it’s a term that continues to plague the modern dating scene, especially for Indian millennials. Ghosting refers to the abrupt and unexplained cessation of all communication without any prior warning. One minute, everything seems fine, and the next, the person you’ve been talking to suddenly disappears without a trace.
Ghosting can happen after a few dates, or even after a prolonged texting phase. It often occurs when one person loses interest or is no longer emotionally invested but doesn’t have the decency to communicate this. This can be hurtful, especially for someone who was looking forward to building a connection. Unfortunately, ghosting is a common practice in online dating, where anonymity makes it easier to avoid confrontation.
Orbiting is another form of ghosting, but it’s more of a passive-aggressive behavior. In orbiting, the person who has stopped directly communicating with you continues to "orbit" your social media. They might like your Instagram posts or view your stories, but they never engage in meaningful conversation.
Orbiting can be even more confusing than ghosting because it leaves the person feeling unsure of the other person’s intentions. The lack of direct communication combined with occasional social media engagement can make it difficult for the person being orbited to move on, hoping for a reconciliation or explanation that might never come.
“Catfishing” refers to the act of creating a fake online persona in order to deceive someone into developing a relationship. This can involve using fake photos, names, and even completely fabricated life stories to lure someone into an emotional connection. While catfishing is not exclusive to India, it has become a significant issue with the rise of online dating apps.
In India, where traditional notions of dating are being replaced by online interactions, catfishing can happen more often. It’s important for millennials to be cautious and verify the authenticity of online profiles before investing time and emotions into someone.
After ghosting someone and disappearing for a while, a "submariner" resurfaces and tries to rekindle the connection as if nothing happened. Submarining is the equivalent of coming back from the depths of the ocean after disappearing for months, only to act like the silence was normal.
For Indian millennials, this can be especially confusing. After months of radio silence, the person suddenly returns with the expectation that everything is fine and can pick up where they left off. Submarining can disrupt the emotional balance of someone who had been left wondering what happened, and it’s a clear example of why communication is key in any relationship.
"Haunting" is similar to orbiting but with a more persistent presence. This term is used to describe when someone who previously ghosted you continues to watch your social media accounts or posts, commenting occasionally or lurking without direct interaction. It's as if they still want to stay in your life but in an indirect, non-committal way.
For many Indian millennials, the experience of being haunted can feel like a psychological game. The person doesn’t directly engage but still lingers in the background, making it hard to fully let go or move on.
The world of online dating is full of evolving terms and situations that reflect the challenges of modern relationships. While these terms may seem casual or playful, they highlight the complexities that millennials—especially in India—face when navigating romantic connections in the digital age. Whether you’re dealing with a "situationship" or experiencing the frustration of being "benched," understanding these dating terms can help you navigate relationships with more clarity and confidence.
As dating continues to move from the traditional to the digital, it’s important to prioritize communication, mutual respect, and understanding. Recognizing these terms and their implications can empower you to make better choices in your dating life, avoid confusion, and build genuine, meaningful connections.
