What Are They Talking About? Gen Z’s Lovers' Lingo Revealed

Language and dating apps are forever evolving, and the popularity of the social platforms such as TikTok means that new phrases are constantly being added to our vocabulary,

Especially when it comes to Gen Z dating. 

Translation experts at Localazy have revealed some of the most popular Gen Z dating slang phrases meanings that you need to know if you want to keep up with the latest dating vocabulary. 

From being a “babygirl” to a having a “beige flag”, here are the puzzling Gen Z phrases and slang words being used in the current dating scene. 

Babygirl:  According to Urban Dictionary, babygirl is “a term used towards grown fictional men who have the fandom in a loving chokehold.” Jacob Elordi recently discussed the term on Saturday Night Live saying: 'Me? I'm babygirl?’ 

Pookie: Pookie is a nickname that you call your best friend or someone you really love. TikTok videos tagged with #pookie often include users referring to friends, partners, celebrities, or objects in an affectionate tone. 

Beige Flag: Beige flag is the newest slang to take over from red flag. It’s described as something that's neither good nor bad but makes a person pause for a minute when it’s noticed and is usually something odd but wholesome. There are currently 30,700 posts on TikTok including the hashtag #beigeflag.  

Rizz: Rizz is defined as how successful someone is at attracting or flirting with due to their charismatic personality or silent charm. The term is widely used across TikTok with #rizz being used in 1,300,000 posts globally.  

Hard launch: A sudden and purposeful announcement of a romantic relationship, usually announced on social media with a post of their partner. Selena Gomez hard launched her relationship with Benny Blanco when she decided to make the relationship Instagram official by sharing an Instagram carousel of favourite moments in December, including a picture of kissing Benny Blanco.  

Soft launch: 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 leg or arm in a photo of a restaurant. TikTok videos including #softlaunch often include couple photo ideas for a soft launch and how to take them.  

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. #situationship has gained 375,600 posts on TikTok, with videos including how to spot signs you’re in a situationship and how to know when to end one.  

Jakub Dubec from Localazy commented:

“Gen Z has developed its own unique dating lingo that reflects the ever-evolving landscape of dating, relationships and social media. Whilst dating can be scary, staying up-to-date with the latest dating lingo enables individuals to stay informed about the current dating trends and norms, which can empower them to make better decisions on their own dating experiences.

"By fully understanding the latest dating language, people can enter the dating world with more confidence and enhance their overall dating experience.”