From GSOH to LTR: A Comprehensive Guide to Dating Slang and Abbreviations

Dating Site Acronyms

Hey handsome. Just your profile and got all the feels. Are you DTF for a FWB or are you more into a LTR? No pressure, but I'm totally DDF and looking for someone with GSOH to be my OTP.

All these dating site abbreviations and dating acronyms. Makes you want to run the other way, doesn't it?

But, the reality is, people are using dating slang and dating site acronyms now more than ever. More than 80% of Americans say that they use slang, with 20% doing so in every conversation.

Here's a funny thing though: you're not alone in not knowing all the dating slang. 1 in 2 Americans have used dating and regular slang terms without knowing their meaning.

Want to get in the loop and avoid dating app miscommunication? Want to learn about dating slang, dating site acronyms, and slang words for relationships?

Here's everything you need to know about online dating terms and what they really mean.

Is it alphabet soup or dating site acronyms? We know firsthand how overwhelming it is to learn dating site acronyms, but we're here to help.

You'll find these dating site acronyms in bios, prompts, and when you chat with potential matches.

H&K–hugs and kisses

Dating slang and acronyms can get raunchy quickly–for our sake, let's start with something more wholesome.

H&K, sometimes abbreviated as HAK, stands for hugs and kisses. It's typically used as a sign-off after a conversation. It's a sweet way to end a note, and expresses a feeling of warmth and care.

AML–all my love

Another cute and loving sign-off is AML, which stands for all my love. This sign-off is used for those that you develop a deeper connection with and often expresses deep affection and endearment.

ISO–in search of

This dating site acronym is usually found in someone's bio. If you see ISO, the acronym is usually followed by a list of traits that the person wants from their ideal partner.

GSOH–good sense of humor

For example, you may see ISO: GSOH. Sounds like some absurd tech jargon, but we can break it down. This means the person is in search of someone with a good sense of humor. GSOH is used when someone wants laughter and fun out of their partner.

HMU–hit me up

This is one of the most common dating site acronyms. HMU is often used as an invitation to start a conversation. For example, "Looking for someone with a GSOH, HMU if you do!" This message invites those with a good sense of humor to message.

ENM–ethical non-monogamy

A newer term dating site acronym, ENM, stands for ethical non-monogamy. ENM is often used when someone brings up or is interested in having an open relationship.

LTR–long-term relationship

An oldie but a goodie. LTR has been around for a while, and it's how people communicate that they want a serious relationship. Wink, wink. If you want a LTR, together.com is the place to go.

LDR–long-distance relationship

If you match with someone hundreds of miles away, look to see if LDR is anywhere on their bio. LDR highlights that someone is ready to commit to a relationship, despite location or distance apart.

NSA–no strings attached

NSA is more of a hookup abbreviation. By no strings, people mean no commitments or baggage. NSA is added to bios or conversations if the person is looking just for sexual fun without emotional involvement.

GGG–good, giving, and game

GGG is another hookup abbreviation. It's used to convey that a person is looking for sexual satisfaction. GGG means you're good in bed, you're generous with your partner, and you're game to try new things in the bedroom.

DDF–drug and disease free

DDF signals to others that you are drug-free and STD-free. It's a straightforward and important way to set expectations about personal health and expectations from a partner.

IRL–in real life

You've probably seen this dating site abbreviation in other contexts, too. In the dating context, IRL means you or your match is ready to take things offline and meet up in person. This dating site acronym is a way to emphasize someone's desire for face-to-face interaction.

NMNK–no marriage, no kids

NMNK is a way to quickly communicate a person's current situation with potential matches. Sometimes, though, NMNK may be used to express future expectations too.

Slang Words for Hookups

On dating apps, you're bound to turn into someone who's looking to hook up.

Here are some common hookup abbreviations and slang:

Friends with benefits – these are friends who enjoy casual sex without the commitment of a relationship.

Fuck buddies – similar to friends with benefits, but you don't even need to be friends. Here, as the name suggests, it's just to have sex.

One-night stand – a single, spontaneous sexual encounter with no intention of it becoming a regular thing.

Half-night stand – a one-night stand, but it doesn't last the whole night. Either things didn't go all the way, or someone changed their mind.

Several night stand – a series of sexual encounters with someone, but it's just that and nothing more.

Netflix and chill – Inviting someone to watch Netflix with the underlying intention of hooking up or casual sex.

Sex interview–a date where the main goal is to assess sexual compatibility.

Slang Words and Acronyms for Relationships

At toGetHer.com, we're all about finding your soulmate.

These are slang words for relationships and urban slang for dating:

Situationship – a relationship where both people have feelings for one another, but boundaries, expectations, and labels aren't well defined like in a traditional relationship

Bae – a term of endearment short for "babe" or "before anyone else."

Baefy – a combo between "bae" and "wifey", also used as a term of endearment.

Boo – a cute, casual, and affectionate term for a boyfriend or girlfriend.

S.O.- this stands for significant other and is a more professional way to refer to your partner when talking to others about your relationship

OTP – this stands for one true pairing and is used to describe someone's ideal relationship goal or ideal couple.

Urban Dating Slang

Chances are, your first match won't be the match you build the strongest connection with.

And, unfortunately, you might deal with some pretty unpleasant people.

This set of urban dating slang will provide you with clarity and insight as you navigate the dating world.

There are a bunch, so we'll keep these short and sweet:

Ghosting – when someone stops responding without any explanation or goodbye

Zombied – this is when someone ghosts you, and then comes back after a long time

Benching – keeping someone around, even though there's minimal interest, and exploring other people.

Cuffing Season – the time during older seasons when more people start looking for relations, both casual and long-term. Cuffing season is usually from October to March.

Freckling – this is the summer version of cuffing season. From June to August, people look for their summer flings.

Breadcrumbing – this is the act of leading someone on with occasional messages without any real intention of getting serious. Often, the breadcrumber is afraid of confrontation.

Comet partner – a partner who comes into your life randomly and sporadically.

Cushioning – this is the act of keeping "backup" romantic interests in case you're current relationship doesn't pan out

Phubbing – awful thing to do. Phubbing is the act of ignoring your date or partner by being completely absorbed in your phone (please do not do this).

Pie hunting – another terrible move. Pie hunting is the act of choosing potential love interests based on their heartbreak or poor dating history.

Snack – this is a compliment that tells someone they look good enough to eat, aka that they're very attractive.

Ship – this is short for relationship, and sometimes, situationship

Thristy – this is used to describe someone who's desperate for attention or affection

Kittenfishing – someone is kittenfishing when they present themselves in an unrealistically positive light online

Curved – this is the action of being rejected in a more subtle or indirect way.

Lovebombing – overwhelming someone with love and compliments at the start of a new relationship. As the relationship continues, the lover bomber will reveal their true self.

Monogamy – the act of being in a committed relationship with just one person.

Polygamy – this is the act of being with many partners at the same time.

Open relationship – a relationship where both partners agree to have romantic or sexual relationships with others.

Polycule is a network of different relationships connected by people who are comfortable with open relationships.

Emojis and Slang During Dates

Sometimes, an entire bio will just have one or two emojis. No words, just emojis. These emojis may also be used in addition to dating abbreviations, dating slang, and hookup abbreviations.

Here are some common emojis used in dating and what they mean:

🍑 – the peach emoji represents the butt

🍆 – the eggplant emoji represents male genitals

💦 – the water/sweat suggests that the person is either turned on or that they want to engage in sexual activity.

😏 – the smirk means feeling suggestive or flirtatious.

👀 – the eyes represent interest or attention. Sometimes, this means they want to see you IRL, or that they want to exchange photos.