What used to simply be called "deceiving someone," "playing with someone's feelings," or "cheating" a few years back now gets dressed up with a fancy English term and turned into a perfected trend, all to cover up your own inability to commit! These days, it goes by the term "dating trends."

Where Do Dating Trends Come From?

While people used to read advice columns only in glossy magazines at the hairdresser's, nowadays the "dos and don'ts" get delivered straight to your door via the internet, shared by friends on Facebook, and illustrated with pictures on Instagram. In forums, people pick up the instruction manual for the latest dating trends, which fundamentally have nothing to do with actual dating, all in an effort to protect their lonely hearts.

The Negative Dating Trends and Their Consequences:

"Ghosting," or in plain English: disappearing without a trace. That's entirely possible even in the internet age — all you have to do is block the person across every social network and on your phone. Just like that, you're unreachable. Since with this trend you never go so far as to reveal your actual address in the first place, you can lean back with total peace of mind and set your sights on your next target. Then there's "benching," which is nothing more than keeping the object of your potential affection warming the bench. Just in case someone more desirable comes along. With the occasional WhatsApp message and a kissy-face emoji, the substitute player gets kept waiting in line. "Submarining" is basically the ultimate combination of the two trends above. First, your potential partner disappears into the depths of the internet. Then, after weeks or even months, the redeeming message finally arrives — a sign of life. And then radio silence again. Only to resurface from the depths of the sea, maybe because the other person is bored, stirring up fresh hope all over again. Against all that, parallel dating almost starts to look positive. If no exclusivity has been agreed on, a man or woman is free to date other people at the same time! Combined with benching, it's a reliable way to keep yourself entertained without committing to anything. Always keeping an eye out in case something better comes around the corner! So in that sense, it still counts as one of the negative dating trends after all.Dating Trends Positive Dating Trends Yes, they do exist! And the positive dating trends stand in real contrast to the negative ones. Spending more quality time together through new adventures. Trying a new sport together, or the classic dinner date at a restaurant serving an exotic cuisine neither of you has tried before. It's a trend that adds to your shared list of first-time experiences and can bring you closer together in the long run. Deep conversations and honesty are also making a comeback. Giving your smartphone a break and enjoying talking face to face for once. Honest conversation and openly admitting your feelings as they come up. That might just be what makes it work with your dream partner after all!