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The current period marks a ten-year milestone since the phrase “ghosting” entered the mainstream. At the time, the concept that someone could instantly end all contact with a romantic interest without any notice seemed like the height of rudeness. Our innocence was charming. In the ten-year span since, seeking a significant other has only become more perplexing – an frequently pointless exercise in awkwardness that is increasingly defined by online lingo.

Generation Z, a generation who came of age during a loneliness crisis, a male identity crisis, and a coordinated challenge on the freedoms of women and the queer community, faces a infinitely more complex terrain than their Gen Y predecessors could ever imagine. And so their romantic glossary has grown more extensive and more unhinged, with phrases like “Ogre-ing” and “monkey branching” straining the limits of your sanity.

Below is a extensive glossary to the phrases gen Z is using to navigate romance, sex and the pursuit of both. To channel one of the recent most viral memes, by the conclusion of this glossary you’ll ache to get back to simpler times – because where that is, it lacks “ideological catfishing”.

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A

Genuineness – For gen Z, romance's gold standard is presenting as your true, unvarnished self. Good luck with that!

The Letter B

Avian theory – A online phenomenon connected to a test developed by couples researchers, in which you point out something insignificant – for example, “I saw a bird today” – and pay attention to whether your date's reaction is interested or disinterested. If they do not want to hear more about the bird, you two are not compatible.

Independent partner – Gen Z’s answer to the “quirky fantasy girl” trope of the early 2000s – but rather than having short fringe, liking The Smiths and avoiding commitment, the black cat girlfriend puts herself first while oozing mystery and independence. (She may yet have that fringe.)

The Letter C

Support test – This refers to going for someone who supports you without being asked. If you walked into a room, they would fetch a seat for you to take a load off.

Task-based bonding – A outing where two people bond while doing chores, such as walking the dog or grocery shopping. In other words, how financially strained people in their 20s do low-cost romance in a post-“$5 beer and shot combo” world.

Emotional spiral – Having a breakdown when you feel overwhelmed by life. You can crash out over a crush or split, spilling all of your unreciprocated emotions.

The Letter D

DINK – Double income, no kids. Once a marker of 80s young urban professional affluence, it describes partners who choose against parenthood to focus on their own fulfillment. Or because they find it financially impossible to become parents.

The Letter E

Open communication – The opposite of acting aloof: embracing dialogue, transparency and vulnerability.

F

Signals

• Red flags – Personal traits signaling a potential partner is not right. Examples include calling their exes crazy, subpar tipping habits, a fondness for Woody Allen films, a new DJ career …
• Green flags – These quirks affirm your decision to pursue a mate. Examples include following up to make sure you got home safe after a date, minimal phone use, having a proper bed …
• Odd but harmless traits – These usually describe specific, largely harmless quirks. Examples include being an enthusiastic birdwatcher, still keeping a pen in their wallet, paying the rent in physical money …

Niche bonding – When you find someone who’s just as enthusiastic about documentaries about the WWII or DVD collecting or art or anything it may be, as you. Or, conversely, finding someone who hates the same things or people that you do (few things creates intimacy faster than sharing a nemesis).

G

Geese – A band your gen Z boyfriend is into.

Phantom reappearing – Someone who pops back into your life after a length of disappearing.

Golden retriever boyfriend – Someone who is affable, eager to please and devoted. The uncommon boyfriend who is adored by all of his partner’s friends, and a mysterious partner's counterpart.

Prolonged session enthusiasts – A primarily online subculture of men so fixated with self-pleasure that they attempt lengthy sessions, deliberately delaying climax so they can go on as long as possible.

The Letter H

Pessimistic straight dating – A mindset describing many women's increasing pessimism toward heterosexual relationships. It will come as little surprise to anyone who read the above entry.

High-value woman – An stereotype championed by online male influencer figures: a woman who is attractive, nurturing and happily domestic, who seemingly has no aspirations of her own other than satisfying her man partner. Maybe now you’re beginning to see the whole “pessimism” thing better?

The Letter I

Ick factors – Random and usually everyday repulsions that immediately extinguish any sense of interest.

“Actions speak louder" – Something to keep in mind after you watch someone else receive an extremely sweet act.

J

Professions – These have not been this crucial in the romance landscape since the Wall Street era. For some women, a “man in finance” is the ultimate partner: a preppy, conservative-leaning guy who will provide (there’s a popular TikTok song on the topic). Meanwhile the left-leaning crowd opt for partners in professions they perceive as being staffed by the more emotionally available among us: nurses, educators or therapists.

The Letter K

Making out – This year, scientists learned that the kiss has been around for 16m years. But the era of kissing may be numbered since some gen Z want fewer sex scenes in movies, as they are having less sex themselves and do not find onscreen intimacy realistic.

Light catfishing – Mild deception. Or, not exactly lying about who you are, but maybe using outdated (better) pictures of yourself on a dating app profile, or making your career sound more prestigious than it is. Also known as {