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What Is “Benching” in Dating? (And Are You Someone’s Backup?)
As an English teacher, I have been creating content for both Korean learners and global English learners. This blog is where I share the expressions and slang I cover in my lessons — and today’s word comes straight from the world of sports: benching.

What is “benching”?

In sports, a benched player sits on the sideline — not playing, but not cut from the team either.

In dating, benching means keeping someone around as a backup option. They’re not your first choice, but you don’t want to let them go completely either.

Real life examples:
1. “He never commits but never lets me go either — I’m being benched.”
2. “She’s benching three guys at once while she figures out what she wants.”
3. “I waited six months before I realized I was just on his bench.”
4. “Don’t let anyone bench you — you deserve to be someone’s first choice.”
5. “He only texts me when things don’t work out with someone else. Classic benching.”
Signs you’re being benched:
- They show up when it’s convenient for them
- You’re never their first priority
- They disappear for weeks then come back like nothing happened
- You always feel like you’re waiting for your turn
Similar expressions:
- Breadcrumbing — gives just enough attention to keep you hooked
- Ghosting — disappears completely
- Cushioning — dating others while in a relationship, just in case
Quick recap:

Benching = you’re on the team but never in the game. You deserve to be a starter — not someone’s backup plan.

Want to learn more natural English?

Hi, I’m Yehs Sam 👋 I have been teaching English and creating content to help learners sound more natural and confident — for both Korean learners and global English learners.

🐢⚡ Turtle Zeus — Slow but surely, we get there.

Is there a slang word or English expression you’ve always wanted to know? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to cover it in my next post!
June 10, 2026
What Is “Breadcrumbing”? (And Are You Being Led On?)
As an English teacher, I have been creating content for both Korean learners and global English learners. This blog is where I share the expressions and slang I cover in my lessons — and today’s word is one that many people experience but don’t have a name for: breadcrumbing.

What is “breadcrumbing”?

Breadcrumbing is when someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested — but never enough to commit.

Think of Hansel and Gretel. They followed a trail of breadcrumbs through the forest. That’s exactly what this person is doing to you — leaving just enough crumbs to keep you following.

Real life examples:
1. “He never asks me out but likes all my photos. That’s breadcrumbing.”
2. “She texts me ‘hey’ once a week just to keep me around. Classic breadcrumbing.”
3. “I finally realized he was breadcrumbing me — he was never serious.”
4. “Stop breadcrumbing me and just tell me how you feel.”
5. “Breadcrumbing hurts more than ghosting because you keep hoping.”
Signs you’re being breadcrumbed:
- They text occasionally but never make real plans
- They’re super warm one day, then cold the next
- They like your posts but never follow through
- You always feel like things are “almost” moving forward
Similar expressions:
- Ghosting — disappears completely
- Benching — keeps you as a backup option
- Orbiting — stops talking but still watches all your stories
Quick recap:

Breadcrumbing = just enough attention to keep you hooked, never enough to be real. If you’re always waiting for more — check if you’re following breadcrumbs.

Want to learn more natural English?

Hi, I’m Yehs Sam 👋 I have been teaching English and creating content to help learners sound more natural and confident — for both Korean learners and global English learners.

🐢⚡ Turtle Zeus — Slow but surely, we get there.

Is there a slang word or English expression you’ve always wanted to know? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to cover it in my next post!
June 9, 2026
What Is a “Situationship”? (And Are You in One?)
As an English teacher, I have been creating content for both Korean learners and global English learners. This blog is where I share the expressions and slang I cover in my lessons — and today’s word is one that hits close to home for a lot of people: situationship.

What is a “situationship”?

A situationship is a romantic relationship that has no clear label or commitment. You’re more than friends, but you’re not officially dating either.

It’s that confusing middle ground where nobody says “what are we?” — because nobody wants to hear the answer.

Real life examples:
1. “We’ve been hanging out for months but never defined it — I think we’re in a situationship.”
2. “I’m tired of this situationship. I want something real.”
3. “He acts like my boyfriend but won’t call me his girlfriend. Classic situationship.”
4. “How do I get out of a situationship without losing him completely?”
5. “She knew it was a situationship from the start but hoped it would change.”
Signs you’re in a situationship:
- You spend a lot of time together but have no official label
- You feel confused about where things are going
- One or both people avoid the “what are we?” conversation
- It feels like a relationship but with no real commitment
Similar expressions:
- Friends with benefits — physical relationship, no romance
- Talking stage — early phase before dating officially
- Almost relationship — came close but never made it official
Quick recap:

Situationship = romantic but undefined. Comfortable but confusing. If you’re asking “what are we?” — you might already be in one.

Want to learn more natural English?

Hi, I’m Yehs Sam 👋 I have been teaching English and creating content to help learners sound more natural and confident — for both Korean learners and global English learners.

🐢⚡ Turtle Zeus — Slow but surely, we get there.

Is there a slang word or English expression you’ve always wanted to know? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to cover it in my next post!
June 9, 2026
What Does “Ghosting” Mean? (And Why People Do It)
As an English teacher, I have been creating content for both Korean learners and global English learners. This blog is where I share the expressions and slang I cover in my lessons — starting with one of the most talked-about words in modern English: ghosting.

What does “ghosting” mean?

Have you ever texted someone and they just… disappeared?

No reply. No explanation. Nothing.

That’s called ghosting — suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without any warning or reason. One day they’re there, the next day they’re completely gone — like a ghost.

It can happen in dating, friendships, or even at work.

Real life examples:
1. “I thought we had a great date, but then he ghosted me.”
2. “She ghosted all her friends after moving to a new city.”
3. “I applied for the job and they just ghosted me — no email, nothing.”
4. “Don’t ghost me! Just tell me if you’re not interested.”
5. “He’s been ghosting my texts for a week now.”
Why do people ghost?
- They want to avoid conflict
- They don’t know how to say goodbye
- They lose interest but feel awkward being honest
Similar expressions:
- Go MIA (Missing In Action) — suddenly unreachable
- Left on read — they saw your message but didn’t reply
- Soft ghosting — still watching your stories but never replies
Quick recap:

Ghosting = disappearing without explanation. It hurts, it’s confusing — but now you know exactly what to call it.

Want to learn more natural English?

Hi, I’m Yehs Sam 👋 I have been teaching English and creating content to help learners sound more natural and confident — for both Korean learners and global English learners.

🐢⚡ Turtle Zeus — Slow but surely, we get there.

Is there a slang word or English expression you’ve always wanted to know? Drop it in the comments below — I’d love to cover it in my next post!
June 9, 2026