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This period signifies a ten-year milestone since the word “vanishing” entered the public consciousness. Back then, the notion that someone could abruptly cease communication with a romantic interest without a word seemed like the height of rudeness. We were so innocent. In the ten-year span since, finding a significant other has only become more perplexing – an frequently pointless endeavor in awkwardness that is increasingly pigeonholed by online lingo.

Generation Z, a cohort who grew up during a social isolation epidemic, a masculinity reckoning, and a widespread assault on the rights of women and the queer community, faces a significantly more chaotic landscape than their millennial elders could ever envision. And so their romantic lexicon has grown longer and more unhinged, with terms like “Shrekking” and “vine swinging” pushing the limits of your sanity.

What follows is a extensive breakdown to the terms this generation is using to navigate romance, sex and the quest of both. To channel one of the year’s most popular memes, by the conclusion of this list you’ll long to get back to simpler times – because wherever that is, it doesn’t have “wokefishing”.

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A

Authenticity – According to gen Z, dating’s ultimate goal is presenting as your true, raw self. Good luck with that!

The Letter B

Feathered friend test – A social media test loosely based on a framework developed by couples researchers, in which you point out something minor – for example, “A bird flew by earlier” – and note whether your partner’s reaction is inquisitive or brushed off. If they aren't interested to hear more about the bird, you two are not compatible.

Independent partner – Zoomers' answer to the “manic pixie dream girl” trope of the early 2000s – but instead of having baby bangs, liking indie music and eschewing commitment, the black cat girlfriend puts herself first while radiating enigma and self-sufficiency. (She could possibly have baby bangs.)

C

Seat theory – This signifies seeking out someone who helps you proactively. If you entered a room, they would get a chair for you to take a load off.

Choremance – A meet-up where two people bond while handling tasks, such as walking the dog or food shopping. In other words, how broke people in their 20s do budget-friendly romance in a inflation-era world.

Crashing out – Having a breakdown when you feel burdened by life. You can crash out over a infatuation or breakup, venting all of your unreciprocated feelings.

The Letter D

DINK – Dual income no kids. Once a marker of 1980s young urban professional excess, it refers to pairs who choose against having children to focus on their own happiness. Or because they are unable to afford to become parents.

E

Emotional vibe coding – The opposite of acting aloof: practicing dialogue, transparency and openness.

F

Flags

• Danger signals – Personal traits indicating a potential partner is trouble. Such as calling their exes crazy, bad gratuity habits, a fondness for Woody Allen films, a burgeoning DJ career …
• Positive signs – These traits validate your decision to pursue a mate. Examples include checking in to make sure you got home safe after a date, minimal screen time, having a proper bed …
• Odd but harmless traits – These usually describe specific, mostly inoffensive quirks. Examples include being an enthusiastic birdwatcher, still carrying around a pen in their purse, paying the rent in cash …

Freak matching – When you meet someone who’s just as obsessive about films about the WWII or DVD collecting or collaging or whatever it may be, as you. Or, conversely, meeting someone who hates the same things or individuals that you do (few things creates closeness faster than having a common enemy).

The Letter G

Geese – A musical group your gen Z boyfriend listens to.

Ghostlighting – Someone who resurfaces into your life after a period of silence.

Loyal boyfriend – Someone who is affable, accommodating and devoted. The uncommon boyfriend who is adored by all of his partner’s friends, and a mysterious partner's opposite.

Prolonged session enthusiasts – A primarily online subculture of men so preoccupied with self-pleasure that they attempt extended sessions, intentionally postponing orgasm so they can go on as long as possible.

The Letter H

Gloomy heterosexuality – A mindset describing many women's increasing despair toward straight relationships. It will come as little surprise to anyone who read the above entry.

Manosphere archetype – An ideal promoted by online male influencer figures: a woman who is attractive, ever-comforting and happily home-oriented, who seemingly has no ambitions of her own other than pleasing her male partner. Perhaps now you’re beginning to understand the whole “heterofatalism” thing better?

I

Turn-offs – Random and frequently trivial repulsions that instantly kill any sense of interest.

“Actions speak louder" – Something to tell yourself after you watch someone else receive an incredibly thoughtful gesture.

J

Professions – These have not been this significant in the dating scene since the greed-is-good era. For some women, a “man in finance” is the ideal catch: a preppy, conservative-leaning guy who will provide (there’s a popular TikTok audio on the topic). Meanwhile the anti-capitalist crowd prefer partners in fields they perceive as being staffed by the more nurturing among us: nurses, educators or therapists.

The Letter K

Kissing – This year, researchers learned that the kiss has been around for 16 million years. But the era of locking lips may be waning since some gen Z desire fewer intimate scenes in film, as they are having less sex themselves and do not find cinematic romance authentic.

Light catfishing – Slight exaggeration. Or, not exactly lying about who you are, but maybe using older (better) pictures of yourself on a online profile, or making your job sound more prestigious than it is. Also known as {