Modern Dating Terms: Textationship, Ethical Non-Monogamy, Affordating, And More

Dating has changed a lot over the last few decades now, thanks to our rapidly changing communication technology and society's new mindset towards romantic love. These modern dating terms show the ever so many faces of relationships today. Whether it is figuring out ethical non-monogamy, looking for budget-friendly date ideas, or simply trying to understand the latest dating lingo,staying in the loop can help you form stronger connections with more confidence. With that said, here are a few modern dating terms to navigate today's ever-evolving landscape.

Textationship

Textationship is a relationship that lives and thrives through texts. This interaction can help you bond and give both a feeling of being near each other without the physical or face-to-face components. Even though some textationships may eventually become something more serious, others might not expand beyond the texting phase at all. Textationships clearly indicate a rising reliance on digital communication in the dating world.

Ethical non-monogamy (ENM)

All consensual relationships that are not exclusive to two people fall under the category of ethical non-monogamy. It encompasses an array of non-monogamous relationships like polyamory, open relationship and swinging. Ethical Non-Monogamy is only possible with open and honest communication, yes from everyone in the modern relationship. The aim is to ensure that all the wishes and boundaries of everyone involved are fully respected. When done thoughtfully, Ethical Non-Monogamy relationships offer a greater degree of autonomy and trust.

Affordating

Affordating is the term for dating on a budget. While scrambling for some civil dating interaction in the midst of social media, hook-up culture and steadily increasing rent prices, Gen z have a few tricks up their sleeve to get those butterflies without reaching too deeply into their wallet. Affordating could include free or low cost activities like having a picnic, going for a hike, cooking meals together at home. In affordating, they make time for each other and keep the emphasis on enjoying each other’s company rather than spending money.

Polyamory

Polyamory (a type of ethical non-monogamy) refers to the practice of having intimate relationships with more than one partner at the same time, in an open and upfront manner about everyone involved. These types of relationships can be complex and require high levels of communication and emotional maturity. Some polyamorous relationships are composed of multiple people who all have a relationship with one another, called a polycule. This type of relationship contrasts with traditional assumptions regarding exclusivity and monogamy

Swinging

A committed couple participating in sexual activities with others is called swinging, another common form of ethical non-monogamy. Swingers will generally only swap partners or engage in group activities, with pre-agreed boundaries and consent. This type of relationship focuses more on the sexual aspect of non-monogamy and often involves social settings or organized events.

Sober dating

As evident from the name, this modern dating term means going on dates while completely sober. Sober Dating leads to more wholesome connections, and people can connect on a deeper level without being under the influence of alcohol. These days people are looking for something more real in their connections and prefer to know someone well before getting serious, hence the trend of sober dating is on the rise.

Cuffle

A cuffle relationship’s meaning  is simply a cuddle date, with focus on a non-sexual form of intimacy. During a cuffle relationship, the emphasis is on spending quality time together while cuddling, talking, or watching movies without any pressure for sexual interaction. This expression is used to explain the value  of comfort and emotional closeness in modern relationships​.

Daterview

The next modern dating term is daterview, which combines the idea of a date and an interview. It’s a meeting where people talk and ask each other questions to assess if they want to see one another again or cut contact within the first few minutes. This gives people a chance to vet prospective partners more effectively before meeting up.

Love haze

When you are so blinded by your feelings for someone that it allows them to get away with anything, that my friend is called a Love haze. This moment is like putting on rose-colored glasses, where your judgment gets blindsided because of strong emotions. If you are in a love haze, it might probably make you miss some very crucial issues about the other which may harm the relationship down the line.

Benching

Being benched means that you are sidelined, and someone is essentially keeping the door ajar enough to communicate if they need some diversion or entertainment without really committing anything in terms of building any type of relationship. This modern dating term often involves sporadic texting or social media interactions to keep the person interested while exploring other options. Benching can be frustrating for the person being benched, as they are left in a state of uncertainty about the relationship’s future​.