How to Recognize Cold Fading, Ghosting, Benching

Ghosting, cold fading, benching, submarining, cushioning, and breadcrumbing are common behaviors in online dating. Recognizing these patterns can help protect you from disappointment.

Dating apps are on the rise, and more and more people are turning to platforms like the popular dating site GenerationLove.com to find the right partner. However, during the search, it’s possible that behavior or communication with a promising match may suddenly change. While this is normal in the getting-to-know-you phase, as both people need to figure out if the relationship can develop further, it’s important to be honest. Everyone has the right to end a connection, but it should be communicated openly.

There are also unnatural behavior patterns that are quite common in online dating. These methods are often used by people to distance themselves from unwanted contacts or to keep others as a backup relationship option. Terms like cold fading, ghosting, benching, submarining, cushioning, and breadcrumbing have become common topics when discussing dating experiences. The GenerationLove dating tips can help you recognize these behaviors, allowing you to protect yourself from disappointment during your search for a partner.

What is Cold Fading?

‘Cold’ describes the absence of the initial warmth that was once present. ‘Fading’ means ‘fading’ or ‘diminishing’ of attention. Cold fading occurs when someone gradually withdraws, and the strong interest that was there at the beginning slowly fades. This often happens after private contact information has been exchanged. Communicating through WhatsApp or phone brings the interaction to a more personal level. The initial carefree casualness disappears. If a person isn’t convinced that the new acquaintance is the right match, they change their behavior and start to pull away.”

What is Breadcrumbling?

‘Breadcrumbling’ refers to the behavior where someone scatters small “breadcrumbs” of attention or interest to keep the other person emotionally engaged. These small gestures can come in the form of sporadic messages or occasional meetups, without any serious intention of deepening the relationship. When the conversation starts to shift to a more personal level or more serious topics are discussed, communication often decreases or becomes more distant.

What is Benching?

The term ‘benching’ comes from the English word “bench.” In this context, it means putting someone on the “bench” or “keeping them warm” while the person simultaneously flirts with other contacts. The individual in question is considered an option in case other romantic efforts don’t work out as hoped. This behavior often occurs when someone fears not finding “the right one” and therefore keeps multiple options open. When one of these options seeks more commitment, they are pushed to the sidelines and kept at a distance.

What is Submarining?

‘Submarining’ refers to the behavior where someone reappears after a period of silence as if nothing happened. The “submariner” disappears for an indefinite amount of time, neither responding to messages nor initiating any contact. But eventually, the person resurfaces without offering any explanation for their absence. It quickly becomes clear to the affected person that other interests took priority, such as another dating prospect who was more intriguing. Those affected are advised to sever emotional ties to avoid being repeatedly disappointed by the submariner.

What is Ghosting?

‘Ghosting’ (like disappearing as a ghost) describes the sudden and complete cessation of contact without any explanation. The person simply withdraws from the other’s life without leaving a message or providing any closure. This can be particularly painful and confusing, as it denies the other person the chance to ask questions or find closure. Ghosting can occur for various reasons, including dissatisfaction, insecurity, or simply a lack of interest.

What is Cushioning?

‘Cushioning’ refers to the behavior where someone creates an emotional “buffer” to safeguard themselves in case their current relationship fails. People who engage in cushioning are in a committed relationship but maintain contact with other potential partners. This strategy is meant to secure an alternative option in case problems arise in the existing relationship.

Conclusion

Behaviors such as cold fading, breadcrumbing, benching, submarining, ghosting, and cushioning often reflect insecurities or fears related to relationships. These are typical phenomena in the world of online dating, where anonymity and the abundance of options can lead people to act indecisively or noncommittally.

Such behaviors often indicate insecurities or fears regarding relationships. People with commitment issues may crave closeness but pull away when things become more serious. In the world of online dating, it’s easier than ever to make connections, but unfortunately, indecision and noncommittal behavior are also more common. The dating tips from GenerationLove.com help identify and understand these behaviors, allowing you to avoid them in your own interactions and protect yourself from disappointment.