It sure feels as though lingo changes with every generation.

Each one has to be different in some capacity. If there’s even a hint that it’s similar to an older generation, changes are made right away.

Most Gen-Zers already know this lingo.

However, not all of us are of that age. If you’re looking to keep up with the Gen-Zers in your life, this is for you.

Lingoda has done the grunt work of “decoding” what the most popular Gen-Z dating lingo phrases mean.

The most popular Gen-Z dating lingo unveiled

If you hear one of these phrases rolling off the tongue of a Gen-Zer, you’re not going to be in the dark anymore.

• Freak matching: “’Is somebody going to match my freak?’” Based on singer Tinashe’s viral song Nasty, ‘freak matching’ refers to making love connections based on shared quirks or interests, often referred to as general ‘weirdness’.” 
• Hard launch: “A sudden and purposeful announcement of a romantic relationship revealed on social media with a post of their partner. For example, Selena Gomez hard launched her relationship with Benny Blanco in December 2023 when she made the relationship Instagram official by sharing a picture of her kissing Benny Blanco.”
• Soft launch: “In contrast, a soft launch is a subtle inclusion of the person you’re dating into your online presence without fully revealing who it is, such as a picture of a hand or arm in a photo when on a date. TikTok videos including #softlaunch often include couple photo ideas for a soft launch and how to take them.” 
• Micromance: “A micromance refers to short-lived, intense romantic interactions that don’t necessarily evolve into full-blown relationships. These fleeting but meaningful connections are common in the fast-paced world of modern dating, where people quickly form and dissolve emotional bonds.”
• DINK: “Standing for ‘dual income, no kids’, DINK is a lifestyle choice gaining popularity among young couples who choose to prioritize financial stability, travel, and personal growth over traditional family structures. This trend reflects a shift in priorities for many Gen Z and Millennial couples.”
• Pookie: “Pookie is a popular nickname for a best friend or someone you love as a term of endearment. TikTok videos tagged with #pookie often include users referring to friends, partners or celebrities in an affectionate tone.”
• Rizz: “Rizz is defined as someone’s ability to attract or flirt with others due to their charismatic personality or silent charm. The term is widely used across TikTok with #rizz gaining over two million posts globally.”
• Benching: “Benching is when someone is liked enough to keep seeing them but not enough to be in a serious relationship with them, so they are kept as a backup option while still dating around.”
• Situationship: “A situationship is an undefined relationship, an intimate and/or sexual relationship where two people aren’t single but are not dating either. On TikTok, #situationship has gained 687,000 posts, with videos including how to spot signs you’re in a situationship and how to know when to end one.”

Felix Wunderlich, the founder of Lingoda, had this to say about the new lingo:

“Gen Z’s dating language reflects the ever-changing landscape of relationships, social media, and self-expression. Staying informed about these terms not only helps individuals navigate modern dating but also empowers them to make confident and informed choices about their love lives. 

So, whether you’re decoding a partner’s “beige flag” or perfecting your “rizz,” understanding the latest dating lingo ensures you’re always in the loop.” 

What are your thoughts on the Gen-Z lingo? Have you ever used any of these terms before? Let us know in the comments.