As the English language continues to evolve under the influence of digital natives, Generation Z’s linguistic creativity is reshaping how people talk about love and relationships. This year, words such as delulu and skibidi were officially added to the Cambridge Dictionary, emphasising the TikTok generation’s growing impact on everyday vocabulary.

In dating, this shift is especially visible. New phrases appear constantly across apps and social media, prompting many to search for explanations. To break down the latest terms, Lovehoney’s sex and relationship expert Annabelle Knight offers insight.

“It really can be hard to keep up with Gen Z lingo, and it can sometimes feel like the generational gap just continues to widen,” Knight explains. “In reality, while the younger generations get a bad rep sometimes, they actually tend to be very in touch with their emotions and open-minded. Being notorious oversharers, we actually get insight into modern dating through the language they use on a daily basis.”

These terms, largely derived from platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, mirror broader dating shifts in 2025. Bumble’s annual survey of more than 40,000 millennial and Gen Z users found that nearly 2/3 of women now prioritise emotional clarity and authenticity, rejecting superficial connections. The slang reflects this push for genuine bonds, mixing playful expressions with warnings about unhealthy dynamics.

Below, Knight decodes 5 standout terms shaping the dating scene.

Shrekking

Brand new on the dating scene, Shrekking describes choosing a partner perceived as less physically attractive than oneself in the hope they will behave better because the dater is out of their league looks wise. The trend gained visibility on TikTok earlier this year, attracting millions of views, and takes its name from the animated ogre Shrek, who improbably wins a princess.

Knight notes that the concept is problematic. Putting either partner on a pedestal can undermine equality and lead to unhealthy dynamics. She explains that prioritising looks in this way is shallow and adds that “anyone using the Shrek analogy is an immediate red flag.” She highlights that mutual respect, compatibility, attraction and trust matter far more than appearance.

Experts such as Dr Jennie Rosier, a communication specialist, observe that hierarchies amplified by dating apps contribute to frustration, defensive strategies and the rise of ghosting and situationships. In a dating landscape marked by swipe fatigue, Shrekking reveals a desire for security even as it risks resentment.

The Swag Gap

The ‘Swag Gap’ refers to a perceived difference in coolness between partners. Many Gen Z users on TikTok criticise this idea, suggesting that the partner viewed as less cool may become jealous or attempt to outdo the other. Knight emphasises that such trends depend on judging one partner as inferior. She notes that cool is subjective and should not dictate a relationship’s success.

While shared cultural interests and style can strengthen a bond, meaningful connection outweighs superficial measures of self-expression. The term aligns with 2025’s focus on small, intimate gestures sometimes called micro-mance, such as sharing memes or inside jokes. According to Mashable, 49% of Gen Z singles now view bonding over niche interests as a form of intimacy.

Soft launch

A soft launch lets someone subtly signal they are dating without revealing their partner’s face. It contrasts with a hard launch, which typically involves a clear, full-face photo of the couple. Examples of a soft launch include:

•  A photo of hands held together
•  A partner’s face hidden by a cap
•  An arm appearing at the edge of a restaurant photo

Popularised on Instagram, a soft launch suits Gen Z’s preference for low-pressure dating and connects with trends such as future-proofing, in which couples discuss long-term potential without firm commitments. It also reflects a desire for privacy in an era of oversharing. Bumble reports that 50% of women now prioritise authenticity by easing into vulnerability.

Love bombing

Love bombing is a manipulation tactic that involves overwhelming someone with affection too quickly. This can include constant messages, pressure to commit, and early declarations of deep love. While the affection itself is not the issue, the intensity can build a false sense of trust and bypass healthy boundaries. The behaviour often occurs during an idealisation stage before the love bomber eventually pulls away.

Love bombing is recognised in psychological circles as an early warning sign of abusive dynamics. Resources such as The Knot advise that excessive flattery or gifts early in dating may signal attempts at control. In 2025, with mental health awareness increasing, more Gen Z daters are identifying these patterns and prioritising safer connections.

Swamping

Swamping means letting go of the polished presentation common in early dating stages. As Mark Darcy famously says, “I like you, very much, just as you are.” The term reflects embracing authentic comfort, whether that means messy hair, no makeup or wearing pyjamas. It encourages dropping performance in favour of being one’s genuine self.

Swamping aligns with Gen Z’s commitment to emotional openness. Emerging research shows that younger daters value unfiltered vulnerability over curated images, strengthening bonds through everyday intimacy such as shared playlists or eye-contact dates.

Knight emphasises that although these terms highlight Gen Z’s emotional fluency, they also reveal the pressures created by dating apps and social media. “Their openness offers valuable lessons in empathy and boundaries for all of us,” she says. Staying informed about this evolving language helps bridge generational gaps and supports healthier, more authentic romantic connections.

Gen Z slang reveals key dating trends including authenticity and caution against toxicity.