If you are confused about how Gen Z or digital natives or Zoomers (born between 1997 to 2012) look at relationships, here's help.
Hooking up
One-time sexual encounter. Zero commitment. Think casual meet-up, not relationship material.
FWB
Friends With Benefits. Physical intimacy without the dating drama. No strings. Just fun.
Situationship
More than friends, less than dating. You're emotionally involved but nobody's putting a label on it.
Cuffing
It's a seasonal thing where you get hooked only for say Valentine's week. So that you don't feel FOMO. You know -- the Fear Of Missing Out.
Love Bombing
Showering you with excessive flattery and attention to manipulate you into a relationship. If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Bread Crumbing
It's sweet things one day, then a no-show for weeks. They give you just enough attention to keep you hooked, never enough to commit.
Benching
You're their backup option. Like companies that hire but keep you waiting for an actual role. Zero commitment, maximum convenience. For them.
Cookie Jarring
It's somewhat like benching. You're literally a backup cookie in their relationship jar.
Cushioning
Another backup plan. Keeping multiple romantic options warm while in your main relationship, just in case things go south.
Ghosting
When your date suddenly vanishes. No calls, no texts, no explanation. Just... poof! They might even block you on social media, leaving you wondering, 'Kya hua?'
Orbiting
They cut off direct contact but still like your posts and watch your stories. Digital lurking without commitment.
Pocketing
They keep you hidden from friends and family; you're not part of their real life.
Soft Launching
Subtly revealing your relationship on social media. Think mysterious hand-holding photos where you can't see faces.
Serious relationship
The real deal: Commitment, shared goals, trust and actual plans for the future.