Situationships, Ghosting & More: The Modern Love Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning |
| Situationship | A romantic/sexual connection without clear labels or commitment, more than friends, less than a relationship. |
| Entanglement | A messy, emotionally or morally unclear relationship, often involving secrecy or overlapping bonds. |
| Sneaky Link | A secretive, casual sexual connection without emotional or public involvement. |
| Talking Stage | Early phase of getting to know someone, frequent texting, flirting, but no official relationship yet. |
| Friends with Benefits (FWB) | Friends who have sexual relations without romantic commitment. |
| Hookup | A casual or one-time sexual encounter with no emotional involvement or expectations. |
| No-Label Relationship | A relationship where both people avoid traditional labels like “partner” or “boyfriend.” |
| Emotional Affair | A deep emotional connection outside of a relationship, usually secretive, but not always physical. |
| Benching | Keeping someone as a backup option by showing occasional interest but not committing. |
| Breadcrumbing | Sending mixed or vague signals to keep someone interested without intent to pursue a relationship. |
| Ghosting | Suddenly ending all communication without explanation. |
| Orbiting | Ghosting someone but continuing to engage with their social media (likes, views, etc.). |
| Love Bombing | Overwhelming someone with affection early on to gain emotional control or manipulate. |
| Gaslighting | Manipulating someone into questioning their memory, perception, or sanity. |
| Soft Launch | Subtly hinting at a relationship on social media (e.g., posting hands or shadows). |
| Hard Launch | Publicly and clearly announcing a relationship online, often with full couple photos. |
A Course for Love? Delhi University Thinks It’s Time
Did you ever feel like you had to study relationships, maybe even do a PhD, just to figure out what kind of love works for you? Sounds funny, but maybe not anymore. Delhi University’s Department of Psychology has introduced a new elective called “Negotiating Intimate Relationships,” set to launch in the 2025–26 academic year. We always believed love is something you figure out with experience. But if education systems are stepping in to teach it, that says something. Maybe as a society, we’ve gone too far in ignoring emotional education.
Love in the 90s vs Now: What Changed?
What a small four-letter word love is, so beautiful, yet so complicated today. In the ’90s, love meant peace, happiness, comfort, and patience. Yes, it had downsides like heartbreak and obsession, but the positives stood out stronger. What happened in just a few decades that made hurt louder than happiness?
Earlier, partners waited a month to meet each other, with loyalty intact. Now, a one-month break can mean a complete switch. It’s not a critique of Gen Z, I am one of you. I understand the chaos, the red flags, the exploring, the heartbreaks.
From Green Flags to Red Flags: A Gen Z Dilemma
Maybe you started as a green flag but ended up finding red flags by chance. Or maybe now you feel like one too. And if you’re still out there, a green flag chasing another green flag, salute to your spirit. There’s hope. There really is.
And if you’ve messed up, made bad choices, or feel like you’re not “good enough,” let me say this clearly: you are not alone. I’ve been through that darkness too. What’s important is what you choose next.
Modern Dating Needs Emotional Intelligence
Courses like DU’s are not random. In recent years, India has seen a spike in relationship-related crimes, especially among young adults. (Economic Times)
That’s why students will now study:
- What is healthy vs toxic
- Red flags vs green flags
- Consent and communication
- Dating app culture
- Case studies from films like Kabir Singh and Titanic
Because let’s be real: emotions deserve just as much education as economics or history.
Choose Your Own Path, Old School or New?
You get to choose. Do you want to continue the Gen Z dating cycle or step back toward a more emotionally grounded, old-school mindset? Make that decision based on your past. What did you learn? Did it help you grow or drain you emotionally?
Because yes, your emotions are your investment.
They are the foundation of your mental well-being. Don’t waste them on people who can’t even see your worth.
You Are Not Alone
Whoever you are, straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, confused, committed, or casually dating, you are not alone. I am walking this path with you. And if you need someone to talk to, just send a message. We all need safe spaces to be heard, without judgment. If any part of this blog made you reflect on your relationships, your choices, or your identity, reach out. Visit FindMyTherapist.in to connect with a relationship therapist who gets it.
Because your heart, and your peace, deserve care.