Benching
Keeping someone as a backup option without committing or fully cutting them off.
Definition
Benching is dating's version of keeping a player on reserve. The bencher maintains light contact — occasional texts, infrequent dates — to keep the option alive, without ever escalating. The benched person is in the rotation but not the priority. It's structurally similar to breadcrumbing but with slightly more activity and ambiguity.
Want better photos so benching doesn't happen to you?
Try Magnt Free →