The language of love is constantly evolving — and thanks to TikTok and other social platforms, new dating terms are popping up faster than ever.

If you’ve heard words like “pookie” or “freak matching” and felt out of the loop, you’re not alone.

To help, online language learning school Lingoda broke down the most popular Gen Z dating slang that’s shaping conversations right now. Here’s your guide to the latest terms:

Freak matching

Inspired by Tinashe’s viral track Nasty, “freak matching” is about finding love connections through quirks and shared weirdness. Basically, it’s matching energies — but with a twist.

Micromance

Think short, intense, and fleeting. A micromance is a temporary but meaningful romantic connection that burns fast and fizzles quickly. in other words, it’s a fling.

Beige flag

A minor quirk, harmless oddity, or neutral characteristic a partner exhibits that makes you pause but isn’t inherently good or bad. Examples:

• Always asking strangers for their astrological sign.
• Setting a dozen alarms and then ignoring them all.
• Oversharing too much personal stuff, unprompted.

DINK

Standing for dual income, no kids, this lifestyle choice is trending among young couples who prioritize financial freedom, travel, and personal growth over starting families.

Hard launch

The bold reveal. A hard launch is when someone officially announces their relationship on social media. Selena Gomez’s December 2023 post with Benny Blanco is a perfect example.

Soft launch

More lowkey than a hard launch, this involves teasing your partner online without fully showing who they are — like posting just their hand, or a dinner shot for two.

Pookie

A sweet nickname for someone you adore, whether it’s a best friend, partner, or even a favorite celeb. TikTok has made “pookie” the ultimate term of endearment.

Rizz

Short for charisma, rizz describes someone’s ability to charm or flirt effortlessly. If you’ve got rizz, people notice.

Benching

This is when someone keeps you around as a backup option — not fully committing, but not letting you go either.

Situationship

Halfway between casual dating and a real relationship, a situationship is undefined and often confusing. TikTok is packed with advice on how to recognize (and escape) one.

Why it matters

Felix Wunderlich, Founder of Lingoda, explains: “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.”

Whether you’re decoding someone’s “beige flag” or leveling up your “rizz,” knowing the lingo keeps you in the game — and maybe even ahead of it.