Ever feel like if you ask someone "on a date," you’re suddenly a character in a 1950s sitcom? It’s heavy. It’s loaded. It feels like you’re asking for a hand in marriage before you’ve even seen their Spotify Wrapped. Honestly, nobody really "dates" anymore—at least not by that name. We hang out. We link up. We grab coffee. We "see where things go."
Language moves fast. If you’re still using the same vocabulary from five years ago, you might be accidentally sending signals you don’t mean to. Finding other terms for dating isn't just about being trendy; it’s about managing expectations in a world where "Netflix and chill" is a decade-old relic and "soft launching" is a genuine relationship milestone.
The Situationship and the Death of Labels
Let’s be real. The "situationship" is the king of modern romantic terminology. It’s that murky, gray area where you’re more than friends but haven't had the "What are we?" talk. Psychologist Elizabeth Fedrick notes that these arrangements often lack the commitment of traditional dating but provide the emotional or physical intimacy people crave. It’s the ultimate "other term for dating" for people who are terrified of commitment.
People use this word because it’s a safety net. If things go south, you weren't "dating," so it shouldn't hurt, right? Wrong. It usually hurts more because the rules were never written down.
Then you have "kickin’ it." This one is old school but making a comeback. It’s low pressure. You aren't going to a candlelit dinner. You’re probably sitting on a couch, maybe getting tacos, or just running errands together. It’s companionship without the performance of a formal date.
Why the Shift?
Why are we so allergic to the word "date"?
💡 You might also like: Why the Sutton Hoo Helmet Is Still the Most Badass Thing Ever Dug Up
Blame the apps. When you’re swiping through hundreds of faces, calling every meet-up a "date" feels exhausting. It’s high-stakes. If I go on a date, I have to shave, wear the "good" jeans, and prepare for a potential soulmate. If I’m just "meeting up" with someone from Hinge, I can just be myself.
Dr. Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist who has studied love for decades, often discusses "slow love." Modern singles are extending the pre-commitment phase. We’re using different words because we’re literally trying to slow down the biological clock of a relationship. By calling it something else, we keep the pressure off the prefrontal cortex and just enjoy the dopamine hit.
Talking About "Talking"
You’ve heard it. "We’re just talking."
It’s the most confusing phrase in the English language. Does it mean you’re texting? Does it mean you’re sleeping together? Does it mean you’re exclusive? Usually, it means you’re in the digital preamble. This is the stage where you’re vet-checking their memes and seeing if they actually reply to messages before you commit to an in-person meeting.
"Talking" is the most common of all other terms for dating in the Gen Z and Millennial lexicon. It’s a placeholder. It’s a way to say "I’m interested" without saying "I’m yours."
- Vibing: This is strictly about the energy. If you’re vibing, the conversation flows. There’s no talk of the future.
- Seeing someone: This is the step above talking. It implies you’ve actually met in person. Multiple times.
- Linking: Often used in more casual or urban contexts. "Let’s link" is the modern-day "Would you like to go out sometime?" but with 90% less anxiety.
The Professional-Romantic Crossover
Sometimes, the best other terms for dating aren't romantic at all. They’re "stealth dates."
Have you ever "collaborated" with someone on a project only to realize four hours later that you haven't talked about work once? Or maybe you "grabbed a drink to talk shop." This is the "Sneaky Link" of the professional world. It allows for a vibe check under the guise of productivity.
In some cultures, specifically in Northern Europe, the "date" is almost non-existent. In Sweden, there’s fika. It’s just coffee and cake. But a fika can absolutely be a date. It’s just that by calling it fika, you remove the "interview" vibe that plagues American dating culture.
Digital-First Terminology
We have to talk about "Soft Launching."
This isn't a term for the act of dating, but it’s a term for the announcement of dating. You post a photo of two wine glasses. A mysterious elbow in the frame. A blurred background of a person walking a dog. You’re telling the world you’re dating without using the word.
Then there’s "Rizz." It’s Oxford’s 2023 word of the year for a reason. Having rizz is the modern equivalent of being a "suave dater." If you’re "rizzing someone up," you’re actively in the process of dating them, even if a formal dinner hasn't happened yet. It’s active. It’s a verb.
The Dark Side: Terms You Don't Want to Use
Not all other terms for dating are positive.
Breadcrumbing.
Cushioning.
Benching.
These are the terms for when the "dating" isn't going well. If you’re being "benched," you’re a backup. You’re on the roster, but you aren't playing in the game. These terms exist because the traditional dating vocabulary didn't have words for the specific types of cruelty that smartphone apps made possible.
The term "roster" is particularly fascinating. In 2026, people are more open about "roster dating." It’s not cheating because there’s no commitment, but it’s more organized than just being single. It’s essentially project management for your love life.
How to Use These Terms Without Being Weird
If you’re over 30 and trying to use "rizz" or "linking" in a text, you might feel like that "How do you do, fellow kids?" meme. You don't have to use the slang to benefit from the concept.
The goal of using other terms for dating is to lower the barrier to entry. Instead of saying "I’d like to take you on a date," which sounds like a business proposal, try:
- "I’d love to see you this week."
- "Let’s grab a drink and see if we actually like each other in person."
- "Are you free to hang out on Thursday?"
It’s about being low-stakes. The more "official" the language, the more the other person feels they have to perform. Real connection happens when the performance stops.
Actionable Insights for the Modern Dater
Stop worrying about the "Date" label. If you’re trying to navigate the messy world of modern romance, here is how you actually use this information:
Audit your vocabulary. If you find yourself saying "we're just talking" for six months, you aren't talking; you're in a stagnant relationship. Use more precise words like "seeing each other" to shift the dynamic.
Read the room. If someone asks to "link up," don't show up in a suit. If someone asks for a "date," they’re likely looking for something more traditional and intentional. Match the energy of the terminology being used.
Define your own terms. You don't have to follow the TikTok dictionary. If you want to call it "courting" because you’re a romantic, do it. Just make sure the other person knows what that means so they don't think you're taking them to a Renaissance Faire.
Be honest about the "Situationship." If you’re using that term to describe your own life, ask yourself if you’re actually happy with the lack of a label or if you’re just scared to ask for what you want.
Language is a tool. Use it to get closer to people, not to hide from them. Whether you call it "kickin’ it," "vibing," or "seeing where it goes," the end goal is the same: finding someone who makes the world feel a little less lonely. Just don't call it "courting" unless you’ve got a horse and carriage waiting outside. Seriously.