Ever been in that dating situation where you’re not really dating, but you’re also not not dating? They text you sometimes, like your posts, and occasionally make plans, but it never really goes anywhere. It’s confusing, frustrating, and makes you wonder what you did wrong.
Well, you might be getting benched. “Benching” in dating refers to the practice of keeping someone on the sidelines as a backup option while actively pursuing other relationships. You’re on the bench, ready to be called into the game, but never actually playing.
Another, similar dating trend is “breadcrumbing.” Breadcrumbing is when someone sends out inconsistent signals of interest, just enough to keep your hopes up, but without any real intention of committing to a relationship.
So, what’s the deal with both benching and breadcrumbing? This article will explore the nuances of these dating behaviors, the motivations behind them, and how to recognize and respond if you find yourself on the receiving end.