Tinder Launches A Gen Z Dating Dictionary For Older Singles

Tinder has released a handy “dating dictionary” in response to widespread confusion from older generations looking to date Gen Z-ers (born from 1997 – 2012).

Research shows 62% of 18- to 25-year-olds feel they speak a very different language than older singles when it comes to dating. Tinder spokesperson Kirsty Dunn comments, “We’ve seen a massive shift in how we connect and date. And along with that, the language we use to talk about dating and sex continues to evolve."

Sex and relationships expert Georgia Grace explains that the “dating dictionary” can help everyone. Including those who aren’t on the dating market. “Although the basics of dating haven’t really changed, the majority of Gen Z’s feel that they speak a very different language than their parents and grandparents when it comes to dating,” she told news.com.au. “While it’s not too much of a concern – because typically people are dating within their generation – the dictionary will make it easier to have dating conversations across different generations. It is fascinating to read.”

Many of the terms included were identified in the Tinder Year In Swipe 2022 report. Grace says young singles are the ones coining these new phrases and are going viral on social media. “Language is constantly evolving but with the use of tech we are seeing it change even quicker," she says. “It evolves at such a rapid pace that even I have to ask someone from my team to translate a new dating term sometimes. And it’s my job is to stay on top of relationship trends.”

There are new additions to the dating dictionary that those over the age of 25 haven't heard. One is "cushioning," which refers to keeping several backup relationships to soften the blow if your main one doesn’t last. Another addition is the "situationship," which is a complicated relationship that's more than a hookup, but not quite a couple. "Dateview" is another term used to describe a date that feels more like an interview.

Grace said there were some new terms emerging in 2023 too. Those terms include “kitten fishing” and “rizz." Kitten fishing refers to tweaking or embellishing certain aspects of your life, appearance, etc. to make yourself more appealing on dating apps. This is "different to catfishing which is pretending to be someone else entirely,” she says. “Rizz is shorthand for Charisma – you have an allure, you’re engaging, you’re basically irresistible.”

Although Twitter is not a dating app, this week users have been sharing advice on dating with the hashtag #redflag followed by red flag emojis. Even the official Twitter account got in on the fun, tweeting: "I'm not on Twitter" followed by several red flag emojis.

While some were serious most were just for laughs. Check out what red flags you should avoid (according to Twitter) below: