American Dating Culture

Dating can look very different depending on the the cultural context. Below you'll find tips for acclimating into American dating culture and slang.

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Cultural Norms

Body Language

Eye contact

In America it is normal to make eye contact with others. It shows you are engaged and interested in the conversation.  However, when someone is not making eye contact with you it might mean they are not interested in interacting with you and you should respect their boundaries.

Smiling and facial expressions

Usually, smiling is a sign of content or happiness. If someone is smiling and making eye contact during a conversation it most likely mean they are comfortable and enjoying the conversation.  If someone is not smiling and is not making eye contact, that is a sign you should discontinue the conversation. It's normal for Americans to smile frequently, and this may only be showing platonic interest as opposed to romantic interest.

 

Personal space

In America, people tend to prefer more personal space, so be sure to leave about an arm’s length of space between you and the person you are talking with.

 

Physical touch

In some cultures, it is a sign of respect and love to touch someone, like their arm or back, and treat them like your family while you’re talking with them. In America, touching someone you are not especially close with might make them feel uncomfortable. Try to limit physical touch with someone unless you have their permission to do so, this includes touching their arm, back, or other area. You might see Americans hugging their close friends, but this does not indicate romantic interest.

 

Dating Slang

Breadcrumming

Stringing someone along with small flirty comments, but have no intention of furthering the relationship.

 

Catfishing

When someone online is pretending to be someone that they are not, or someone who's dating profile photos does not accurately portray them in real life.

 

Cuffing season

An increase in exclusive dating, usually during the colder seasons to dispel loneliness.

 

DTR

An acronym for "Define The Relationship." This means to talk about what you want your relationship to be and if you are ready for it to be "official."

 

Friends with benefits

Friends who regularly engage in sexual acts with each other, but it’s not an exclusive relationship and is not dating.

 

Ghosting

When someone stops replying to texts or calls and disappears out of a persons life rather than ending a relationship in person.

 

Hook Up

A casual sexual encounter with someone.

 

Netflix and Chill

Starting a movie or TV show with someone which will usually be ignored to engage in sexual activity.

 

Slide into someone’s DM’s

Direct messaging (DM) someone that you have a crush on a social media platform (twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc).