Regardless of your age or dating experience, there are certain terms you need to know to avoid falling behind in the dating world. If an acronym or phrase pops up that you don’t understand, it could lead to some serious miscommunication between you and a potential match. To make sure you’re on the same page, review these common phrases and acronyms used by today’s singles.

1. Cuffing Season

During the fall and winter months, people look to settle down and be in a relationship. The cold weather brings with it opportunities for cozy cuddles indoors. The dark, cold atmosphere can also make people feel lonely, so the desire for a companion tends to increase during this part of the year. Typically, cuffing season prospects are pulled from drafting season (see below).

2. Drafting Season

The spring and summer months are when singles are out and about, dating around and enjoying the warm weather. No one wants to be committed because they’re too busy having fun and meeting new people. Couples with no future tend to break up at the beginning of drafting season in order to have the opportunity to meet new people in time for cuffing season.

3. Benching

Benching is the new “ghosting.” The prospect doesn’t disappear, but rather puts you “on the bench” just in case. It happens when a person who you went on a seemingly great date with doesn’t plan another, yet he or she sends you a random text every few weeks just to keep you interested in case they change their mind (or get bored).

4. F2F

F2F stands for “face-to-face.” This term is used when an online prospect wants to meet you in person. It’s slightly less romantic than asking you out on a date using actual words, but it’s become fairly common to text and use acronyms as a way to defer any possibility of feeling rejected. That doesn’t mean you should say no to an F2F offer, but you can respond with the following: “If you want to meet me, then you need to actually ask me out.” When he or she steps up their game, you’ll know they’re worth meeting in person.

5. IRL

This acronym stands for “in real life.” It’s used when discussing something that is happening offline. Of course, it only makes sense to use this acronym when you’re chatting online; once you meet, you need to cease use of it.

6. MOT/NJB

An MOT is a “member of the tribe,” or a fellow Jew for those that don’t get the reference. People may drop this acronym when they want you to know they are Jewish or are asking if you are Jewish. Meanwhile, an NJB is a “nice Jewish boy.” It’s often used in online dating profiles by men who describe themselves this way or by women to describe what they’re looking for.

7. FWB/NSA

FWB stands for “friends with benefits” and is used to describe a pair who decides to hook-up without dating. Meanwhile, NSA is the acronym for “no strings attached,” which is when people who are dating don’t want a commitment.

It can be a little overwhelming to navigate all the new terminology out there these days, especially if you’re just dipping your toe back into the dating pool after a long absence. But you’ll be surprised just how quickly you can catch on. Don’t let a few new words or acronyms hold you back from potentially finding a lasting relationship.

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