Gen Z’s dating dictionary: What 'shreking', 'benching', and 'cushioning' mean
Here's a breakdown on Gen-Z dating terms
FOX 5 NY's Kendall Green spoke to NYC's young and old about the state of dating today.
NEW JERSEY - When it comes to dating, Gen Z seems to have a term for everything.
From shreking to benching, today’s singles are rewriting the language of romance, which can sometimes be hard to keep up with.
The point isn’t just to sound clever; it’s about defining messy, playful, and sometimes cautious dating dynamics.
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Here's a few and what they mean:
Shreking: Purposely "looking ugly" to take the focus off looks. It’s really about valuing personality, kindness, and connection.
Benching: Keeping someone on the sidelines while you decide if you want to commit.
Cushioning: Like benching, but when you’re already in a relationship, keeping someone else around "just in case."
Breadcrumbing: Leading someone on by sending just enough signals to keep their interest.
Beige flags: Small quirks or habits that aren’t deal-breakers but could become annoying over time.
Gray rocking: Rather than create a lot of drama and get emotional, you act indifferently and distance yourself from the person.
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What they're saying:
For some, these terms highlight how careful Gen Z is about commitment, creating labels for every stage, or escape route, in relationships. "It’s like they’re afraid to live," one New Yorker joked, noting how many terms are built around keeping options open.
But others see the creativity in language as a reflection of how dating itself is evolving.
With apps, DMs, and countless ways to meet, it makes sense that new rules, and new words, keep popping up.
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While older couples may shake their heads at the slang, they agree on one thing: the perfect person doesn’t exist. Instead of waiting for "Mr. Right," they say, the goal is learning to grow
Because whether you’re shreking, benching, or cuffing, the one dating term that still matters most might just be the oldest: going steady.
The Source: This report is based on information from TikTok, everyday New Yorkers.