What is cushioning in dating?
James Craig
Published Jan 18, 2026
"Cushioning" is what we used to call "having a back-up plan" or "plan B" — basically, someone waiting in the wings. It is having other dating options in case the current relationship fizzles.
What does cushioning mean in dating?
Cushioning, according to Urban Dictionary, happens when someone is entertaining other potential romantic "options" while they're in a committed relationship.
What does it mean to cushion someone?
to protect a person or thing from the harmful effects of something. cushion someone/something from/against something: Computer rental packages cushion customers against upgrade costs.
What is Paperclipping in dating?
“Paperclipping” is a dating phenomenon that's similar to breadcrumbing in which someone comes back into your life only to feel good about themselves — and then only to leave again.
What is caking in dating?
Caking is when you're extra sweet to someone you're really interested in. You're always texting them sweet nothings, and the attention is undivided.
29 related questions foundWhat does submarining mean in dating?
Submarining, a newly named trend, begins when someone with whom you have romantic involvement, ghosts — or disappears from your life without notice — only to resurface, with no apology and acts as if no time had passed.
What is Breadcrumbing in dating?
Breadcrumbing is the act of sending out flirtatious, but non-committal social signals (i.e. "breadcrumbs") in order to lure a romantic partner in without expending much effort. In other words, it's leading someone on.
What is Kittenfishing?
What is kittenfishing? As mentioned, kittenfishing is catfishing's younger sister. Essentially, it involves tweaking small details about your appearance or your life to make you appear 'better' on dating apps, as opposed to claiming to be a different person entirely, as in catfishing.
What is pocketing in dating?
It's called 'pocketing. ' "Pocketing" is the dating trend of hiding your partner from your friends, family or on social media. While it can be unintentional, often times pocketing stems from shame about who you're dating.
What does cloaking mean in dating?
Social Links for Alexandra Klausner
“Cloaking is when a person doesn't just stand you up for a date, they also block you on any app that you've previously communicated on,” UK Mashable reporter Rachel Thompson explained in a video describing a recent dating nightmare.
What is the cushioning effect?
Cushioning effect (in ground effect). A temporary gain in lift and decrease in drag during flight near the ground or water caused by the compression of air between the wings of the aircraft and the surface below. Also called ground effect.
What is the meaning of cushiony?
Cushiony is used to describe something that is soft and comfortable like a cushion. A cushion is a soft object used to pad a surface or make it more comfortable to sit, stand, kneel, lie, or rest your head on.
What is shoe cushioning?
Cushioning in a shoe is its capacity to absorb the force of an impact. In the case of running, this need arises when your foot comes into contact with the ground, specifically the first 50 milliseconds of the approximately 250 milliseconds of the support phase of the stride.
Is cushioning wrong?
But unlike ghosting, love bombing, and submarining, which are are clearly unethical, cushioning can sometimes skirt the line of acceptable dating etiquette.
What is Zombieing in dating?
Zombieing is when someone rises from the digital dead. There are two types of zombies: those who were actual exes and those who were casual dates. Zombie exes are the old partners you bury deep into the proverbial ground.
How do you know if he is just stringing you along?
To help you figure out what's actually going on, here are the most obvious signs a guy is just stringing you along.
- 1) He doesn't call you his girlfriend. ...
- 2) He avoids talking about the future. ...
- 3) He blows hot and cold. ...
- 4) You have a feeling he only cares about sex. ...
- 5) He doesn't seem to be putting in any effort.
What is Hardballing in dating?
As defined by Logan Ury, the director of relationship science at Hinge, “Hardballing is a new dating term that means someone is being clear about their expectations of a relationship, whether you want a serious long-term partnership or a casual fling.”
What is haunting in dating?
Haunting is essentially when an ex or former flame is still very much present on your socials (or vice versa.) You no longer interact or share meaningful exchanges, but they still view all of your stories, like all of your posts, and even sometimes comment.
What are some red flags when dating?
15 Dating Red Flag Examples
- Lovebombing. ...
- They Don't Respect Your Boundaries. Everyone has different physical, sexual, and mental boundaries. ...
- They Check in Frequently. ...
- They Want You to Always Prioritize Them. ...
- They're Jealous. ...
- They Make Fun of You. ...
- All of Their Exes are Crazy. ...
- They Don't Have Many Friends.
What is catfish dating?
Catfishing is when someone sets up a fake online profile to trick people who are looking for love, usually to get money out of them. If you're online dating, read these tips so you know how to spot a catfish.
What is the slow fade in dating?
The slow fade is the charade that someone puts on when they decide to end a relationship but don't share their decision.
How do you tell someone you don't want a serious relationship?
Say something like, "I really appreciate the time we spent together. I don't feel like we're a match, but I wish you the best in your search." If they're really insistent, politely repeat yourself. Let them know that it is nothing about them, but you are just not feeling like you have that spark.
What is Breadcrumming?
Someone who breadcrumbs leads you on by dropping small morsels of interest — an occasional message, phone call, date plan, or social media interaction. These happen sporadically and usually don't have any followthrough. If they sense you're ready to throw in the towel, they pursue you a little more attentively.
What is benching in a relationship?
Benching (or bench-warming, as it's sometimes called) is the delightful — and increasingly common — practice of keeping a sexual or romantic partner on the hook as a perpetual Plan B until someone better comes along. It's essentially leading someone on, but for the express purpose of trading them in.
How do you breadcrumb a girl?
5 Steps on How to Breadcrumb a Girl (Helpful Examples)
- 1) Establish Rapport.
- 2) Make Yourself Available.
- 3) Be Prepared for Anything.
- 4) Use A Pretext to Call or Text.
- 5) Be Friendly.