14 Tinder Dating Dictionary Terms — So Boomers Get It

A Tinder dating dictionary? The basics of dating haven't really changed, but the language has. So if you're on Tinder, or any other dating app, you better know how to talk.

Gen Z’ers say they speak a very different language than their parents did, when it comes to dating. In the past you might have just asked, "want to get together for coffee?" Today it’s more likely that you're sliding into someone's DM's. But don't be an ick (gross). You still gotta have rizz (charisma).

Tinder has whole language, and an unofficial Tinder Dating Dictionary to help older people understand younger people. Even the smallest gap in age now could make it a little harder to understand what the thirty-something is saying to the forty-something. So it's good to know what their - and you're - even saying!

The truth is, typically people are dating within their own generation. The Tinder dictionary just makes it easier to have dating conversations across different generations.

Many of the terms and trends were included in the Tinder Year In Swipe 2022 and 2023 reports. It's the younger singles who are coming up with all the new terminology to loosely define their relationship status. And then they go viral on social, and BOOM - another new dating term. So, keep up!!

A popular phrase highlighted by Tinder - that someone over the age of 25 may never have heard before, is cushioning. This is when you keep a few  backup relationships to soften the blow if your main one doesn’t last.

Tinder made Situationship another part of their dating vernacular. This is that sticky in-between status when someone is more than just a hook-up, but they are not quite a couple.

So here they are - some terms you might want to know if you're on Tinder. But a word of advice: If you're over 40 and actually try to use any of these terms, you 'll definitely seem ick to anyone under 25.

Updated 3/28/24

When a date feels more like a job interview: "What do you do? What happened with your last relationship? Do you want kids? Are you close to your parents?" I just want to drink my coffee!!!

When you text all the time but rarely ever meet up in person. This is very common since the pandemic. Many will even say they are "dating" - even though they've NEVER met in person.

It's not catfishing, where you actually pretend to be someone else.  It's a scaled-back version, where you just tweak, or really beef up things about your actual self.

Alina Rosanova via Getty Images plus

When you meet someone's friends for the first time. This is a big deal. If they want you to meet your friends, they must kinda like you. So try not to be an idiot.

This is when one person pretends to have a similar political opinion, in order to get the attention of that person they're attracted to. But seriously - they'll find out eventually.

When you post your first official photo as a couple. Now everyone can know that person you were with is "someone," and not your sibling.

Two people who are hooking up a lot but keeping it a secret. Hmm - is there a reason? Or are you just into secrecy, and being clandestine about everything.

This is when someone repeatedly attracts the wrong people. And they feel stuck in the bad relationship cycle. 

Short for "one-night stand." The term itself hasn't changed in decades. It means what it says. 

Someone who writes boring texts, and doesn't use a lot of emojis. Oh, the horror! How do you even know how someone feels without a wink and a kiss emoji?

When an ex reaches out intermittently, every few weeks, or months - but not because they're interested in you. It's more to keep you on the back burner as an option.

When you focus on your own needs, and don't waste time on people who aren't good enough. YOU are the most important, so don't waste time with that person breadcrumbing you! (see next term)

When someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested, but they just will not commit to the relationship. Is that enough? If not, maybe just eat the breadcrumbs, and move on.

Short for "one true pairing," or the perfect couple. If you both feel that way, then you can probably log off Tinder for a while. They're not ick, they've got that rizz - ENJOY!