Ghosting

Abruptly cutting off all communication with someone you've been dating, with no explanation.

Definition

Ghosting is the practice of suddenly ending all contact with a romantic interest — no reply to messages, no closure, no explanation. It usually happens after a few dates or several weeks of texting. Originally a casual term, it's become one of the most-discussed dating behaviors of the app era because the low cost of disappearing on a stranger makes it the path of least resistance.

Example

“We had three great dates and then he stopped responding to my messages — total ghosting.”

Origin

Popularized in the early 2010s with the rise of dating apps; the term is older but became cultural shorthand around 2014–2015.

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Related terms

Soft Ghosting
Replying with low-effort acknowledgments to slowly fade out, instead of fully disappearing.
Breadcrumbing
Sending sporadic flirty messages to keep someone interested without actually pursuing them.
Zombie-ing
When someone who ghosted you reappears months later as if nothing happened.
Orbiting
Watching your stories and engaging with your social media after going silent on direct conversation.
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