Turtle Zeus

  • What Is the “Talking Stage”? (And How Long Is Too Long?)

    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 something almost everyone has been through: the talking stage.

    What is the “talking stage”?

    The talking stage is the period before two people officially start dating. You’re getting to know each other, texting every day, maybe going on dates — but there’s no official label yet.

    It’s exciting. It’s nerve-wracking. And sometimes, it goes on way too long.

    Real life examples:

    1. “We’ve been in the talking stage for two months — I don’t know where this is going.”
    2. “I hate the talking stage. Just tell me if you like me or not.”
    3. “We met online and have been talking for weeks — are we dating yet?”
    4. “The talking stage is fun until someone catches feelings and the other doesn’t.”
    5. “How do you move from the talking stage to an actual relationship?”

    How long should the talking stage last?

    • Normal: 2 weeks to 2 months
    • Too long: 3+ months with no progress
    • Red flag: They keep you in the talking stage forever → that’s benching

    Similar expressions:

    • Situationship — stuck between talking and dating with no label
    • Benching — kept as a backup, never moves forward
    • Getting to know each other — more casual version of talking stage

    Quick recap:

    Talking stage = the exciting but confusing time before official dating. Enjoy it — but don’t let anyone keep you there forever.

    Want to learn more natural English?

    Hi, I’m Yehs Sam 👋 I have been 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!