The New Dictionary of Dating: Gen Z Trends Like 'Shrekking' and 'Chatfishing' Defined 2025

The landscape of modern romance in 2025 was defined by an ever-evolving vocabulary coined by Gen Z, which named and decoded specific dating behaviors. The new glossary highlights shifts towards both hyper-curation and, in some cases, refreshing honesty in digital and real-world interactions.

Zip-Coding The practice of dating strictly within one's own neighborhood or postal code. The goal is to simplify logistics, reduce travel, and increase the likelihood of consistent, long-term connection.

Chatfishing Outsourcing romantic texting and chat replies to AI tools (like ChatGPT or Wingman AI). The user sends polished, witty, or emotionally attuned answers generated by AI, avoiding the "heavy lifting" of crafting genuine responses.

Shrekking Choosing a partner believed to be beneath one's own standards to establish a power imbalance, theoretically protecting the chooser from heartbreak. Often, the person who "Shrekked" ends up being rejected or blindsided ("getting Shrekked") themselves.

Bio-Baiting Writing hyper-idealized dating profiles that exaggerate lifestyle or interests (e.g., claiming to be an "adventurer" based on minimal activity). The profile is an aspirational, curated version of the person rather than an accurate one.

Date Till You Hate A controversial philosophy encouraging singles to mentally check out of a relationship and allow resentment to build until emotional detachment is strong enough to make the eventual breakup painless, prioritizing emotional withdrawal over communication.

Clear Coding A refreshing counter-movement where singles practice stating their exact intentions upfront—whether seeking a serious relationship, a casual fling, or something in between—eliminating mixed signals and ambiguity.

Monkey-Barring The act of staying with a current partner until a new romantic interest is fully secured. Named after swinging between monkey bars without letting go, this reflects a fear of vulnerability and being alone.

Banksying A strategic and slow withdrawal from a relationship where the person gradually removes affection and emotional presence over weeks or months while maintaining a facade of normalcy, leaving the partner confused and emotionally drained.

These terms reflect the complex dynamics of digital and modern dating, where the pursuit of genuine connection often clashes with the convenience of technology and the fear of vulnerability.