Mumbai: Navigating the dating world today feels like learning a new language, and 2024 was no exception. With terms like “Zombieing” and “Throning” dominating conversations, it’s clear that relationships have taken on new forms in the digital and social media era. These buzzwords not only reflect how we connect but also expose the subtle nuances of modern dating behaviour.
One of the standout trends this year was the rise of superficial connections and emotionally ambiguous interactions. Whether it’s being breadcrumbed with empty promises or benched for a ‘better option,’ these terms highlight the need for greater awareness and authenticity in relationships. Dive into the top five relationship buzzwords of 2024 to decode what’s happened in the world of love and dating.
5 Trends that shaped relationships in 2024
From textationship to benching, here are 5 Trends that shaped relationships in 2024:
1. Textationship
Modern dilemma of endless texting without commitment
A relationship is a contemporary phenomenon combining the convenience of texting with the illusion of a meaningful relationship. It’s essentially a relationship that exists almost entirely in the digital realm—full of endless messages, but devoid of genuine, face-to-face connection.
You chat with each other daily. There’s a witty banter, making it feel like you’ve built something significant. But when the opportunity arises to meet in person or deepen the bond? Silence.
This digital-first dynamic often creates a precarious imbalance. One person may feel emotionally invested, interpreting the regular communication as a sign of closeness. Meanwhile, the other might see it as nothing more than casual, low-effort interaction. The result? A confusing, one-sided connection that can leave someone feeling strung along and emotionally drained.
In a world increasingly dominated by virtual communication, relationships highlight the pitfalls of prioritising convenience over authentic relationships. While they may seem harmless at first, they often fail to deliver the intimacy and commitment that true connections require.
2. Throning
Dating for status over love
Throning is a modern dating trend where someone dates a partner primarily to boost their social standing. Derived from the imagery of placing someone on a throne, it symbolises the pursuit of power, prestige, or influence through a strategic romantic relationship.
Imagine entering a relationship not for love, connection, or compatibility, but because the person you’re dating brings a certain clout to your life. Perhaps they’re influential in their field, have a massive social media following, or belong to an elite circle. In essence, their social currency becomes your crown, and being with them elevates your perceived value in the eyes of others.
While this approach might seem like a savvy shortcut to climbing the social ladder, it raises significant questions about the authenticity of such relationships. Is the bond genuine, or is it transactional? Can a connection built on leveraging someone else’s status ever lead to true happiness?
Throning underscores a broader issue in modern relationships: the increasing influence of image and optics over emotional depth. While it might offer temporary perks like visibility and prestige, it risks eroding the foundation of trust and mutual respect that sustains meaningful partnerships.
3. Breadcrumbing
Modern game of romantic “Maybe”
Breadcrumbing is a frustrating dating trend where someone sends sporadic flirty texts, hints at meeting up, or keeps the conversation alive just enough to maintain interest—but never follows through with real commitment. It’s the ultimate game of “maybe,” designed to keep you emotionally hooked while offering little to nothing substantial.
The term draws inspiration from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, where breadcrumbs were scattered to leave a trail. In the dating world, these “breadcrumbs” are the tiny, inconsistent acts of attention—like a random good morning text, a heart emoji, or vague plans to meet—that keep you chasing a connection that never fully materialises.
What makes breadcrumbing so disheartening is its emotional manipulation. The person leading you isn’t necessarily invested in you—they just enjoy the validation or attention. For the recipient, it can feel like a constant cycle of hope and disappointment, as you’re strung along without ever reaching the relationship you thought was being built.
Recognising breadcrumbing is crucial for protecting your emotional well-being. If someone’s actions don’t align with their words, it’s a sign to step back and prioritise connections that bring clarity and commitment rather than confusion and false hope. After all, you deserve more than just crumbs in love.
4. Zombieing
When the ghost comes back to life
Zombieing, the dating trend in 2024 made waves on the internet, and it’s as unsettling as it sounds. Imagine this: someone who ghosted you—vanished without a trace—suddenly makes a casual and unbothered reappearance in your life. This reentry could happen weeks, months, or even years after they disappeared, leaving you questioning their intentions and your next move.
The term is inspired by the idea of a zombie rising from the dead. In the dating context, it describes a person who ghosts you only to resurface as if nothing happened, sliding back into your life with a text, a social media comment, or a like on an old photo.
Zombieing often brings a mix of emotions: confusion, frustration, and sometimes even curiosity. The person returning may act like their disappearance was no big deal, ignoring the hurt or confusion they caused. For the person being “zombied,” it’s a tricky situation—should you engage, confront, or ignore?
While some might justify the behaviour as a change of heart or circumstances, it often reflects a lack of consideration for your feelings. It’s essential to set boundaries and prioritise relationships that are consistent and respectful, rather than entertaining someone who treats communication as a revolving door.
Zombieing serves as a reminder that not every reappearance deserves your time or energy, especially when it lacks accountability or genuine intent.
5. Benching
The dating equivalent of being left on the sidelines
Have you ever felt like you were part of a game but stuck on the bench, waiting for your moment to play? In the dating world, benching works much the same way. It happens when someone you’re supposed to be involved with keeps you waiting—neither fully committing to you nor letting you go. They keep you in their orbit just enough to prevent you from moving on, but not enough to take the relationship forward.
The term takes inspiration from sports, where players on the bench are technically part of the team but aren’t actively participating in the game. In dating, this dynamic often plays out subtly. Maybe they send you just enough texts to keep you interested, make vague plans to meet that never materialise, or occasionally throw in some flirtation to keep the connection alive.
Benching can be frustrating and emotionally draining. It puts you in a limbo where you’re not sure whether to stay hopeful or to walk away. The bencher might not have bad intentions—they could be uncertain about their feelings, busy, or genuinely conflicted. However, their actions—or lack thereof—create a pattern of inconsistency that leaves you second-guessing your worth.
Recognising benching is the first step to reclaiming your power. If someone is keeping you on standby without clear communication or effort, it’s worth evaluating whether the relationship aligns with your emotional needs and expectations. Real connections are built on mutual respect, effort, and clarity—not on being sidelined indefinitely.
The world of relationships is constantly evolving, and with it comes a wave of buzzwords that captured the complexities of modern love. From digital-first connections to manipulative tactics in dating, 2024 introduced new terms that define the changing dynamics of romance. Relationships Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
