Modern dating in the Philippines comes with its own language. You hear terms on TikTok, in group chats, on dating apps, and even in casual conversations: words like ghosting, soft launching, and FWB. They shape how people talk about love, commitment, and the in-between spaces that define today’s relationships.
Younger Filipinos approach dating differently now. Meeting through Bumble or Tinder feels normal, private soft launches on Instagram stories signal early commitment, and labels like “no label,” “situationship,” or “friends with benefits” reflect shifting boundaries. These terms help explain behavior that used to be difficult to describe, and knowing them gives you a clearer understanding of where you stand with someone (or where things are headed).
This A–Z guide breaks down the most relevant relationship and dating terms used in the Philippines today, including those influenced by social media and everyday online conversations. Use it as your glossary to navigate modern dating with more clarity, confidence, and context.
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Dating & Relationships in the Philippines: Terms and Meanings
A
Affordating
A dating approach where couples choose budget-friendly activities—like coffee walks, park dates, or home-cooked meals—because rising costs make traditional dates less realistic. In PH Gen Z circles, it’s framed as “effort over gastos,” showing that meaningful connection doesn’t require expensive plans.
AFAM
Short for “A Foreigner Assigned in Manila,” though now widely used to refer to foreigners in general—often with a playful or mildly teasing tone in dating conversations. AFAM dating is common in apps like Tinder or Bumble, where cross-cultural matches happen often.
Agawan-base
A Tagalog slang for flirting with someone who’s already taken. It doesn’t always signal malicious intent. Sometimes it refers to people unintentionally attracting someone with a partner—but it’s still frowned upon in Filipino dating etiquette.
Anti-ghosting
A modern shift where people actively avoid disappearing without closure. TikTok and dating communities now encourage “healthy exits”—sending honest messages when interest fades instead of doing the classic ghosting move.
B
Backburner
Someone you keep warm as a potential romantic option while focusing on another person. A backburner remains connected through occasional chats, reacts, and check-ins—just enough to preserve the possibility of something later. It overlaps with roster dating but carries stronger emotional implications.
Bae
Short for “baby” or “before anyone else.” Gen Z uses it both sincerely (for partners) and jokingly (for crushes or celebrities), making it a flexible term for affection.
Basag
Breakup slang meaning “broken” or “emotionally wrecked” after a failed romance. It’s often used humorously: “Basag ako after that ghosting.”
Beige Flag
A trait that’s unusual or quirky, but not bad enough to be a dealbreaker. Examples: using 10 alarms, typing in all lowercase, walking long distances for no reason. Filipino daters frame beige flags as “kakaiba pero tolerable.”
Benching
Keeping someone “on standby” while focusing on other romantic leads. The benched person gets occasional flirtiness or attention, but the relationship never progresses. Similar to fading, but with intentionality.
Breadcrumbing
When someone gives you tiny bits of affection (e.g., hearts, likes, late-night “you up?” texts, sporadic compliments) just enough to keep you interested, but never enough to establish commitment. It’s emotional baiting, and one of the most common dating red flags.
Bet
A Tagalog term used casually to express attraction or approval (“Bet kita” or “Bet ko siya”). Light and playful, it’s often used in early talking stages or when signaling interest without being too serious.
C
Catfishing
Pretending to be someone else online using fake photos, fake details, or an entirely fabricated persona. Common on dating apps, especially when someone avoids video calls or in-person meetups. Catfishing is also often linked to scammers, clout-chasers, or people hiding their real relationship status.
Cuffing Season
The period (usually “BER months” to Valentine’s) when people seek short-term relationships for warmth, companionship, and holiday events. In the PH, it aligns with colder months, Simbang Gabi vibes, and Christmas loneliness.
Cushioning
Flirting with backup options while still in a committed relationship. Cushioning “softens the blow” in case the main relationship fails. Filipino Gen Z considers this a major red flag, especially when paired with micro-cheating.
Clingy
Someone who seeks constant communication and reassurance. In Tagalog, the closest equivalent is “malambing na sobra.” Searches for clingy meaning in Tagalog trend locally because emotional expectations differ across cultures and generations.
Crush ng Bayan
A person universally admired, like the campus heartthrob or the office favorite. Not necessarily available, but always the subject of titos/titas asking, “May jowa na ba ’yan?”
Cushioning
Keeping potential romantic interests in reserve to soften emotional blows if the main relationship fails. Often overlaps with backburning.
D
DTR (Define the Relationship)
The conversation where two people clarify what they are: talking stage, MU, exclusive, or official. In PH dating culture, DTR is the bridge between “ligawan” and becoming “mag-on.”
Delulu / Delusionship
Believing you and your crush have a romantic connection when it’s mostly imagination. Common signs include overreading emojis, assuming a friendly gesture means love, or mentally planning a future after a 15-second eye contact.
DTF
Short for “down to f***,” used to signal purely physical intent. Usually appears in hookup-oriented apps or casual dating contexts.
DINK (Dual Income, No Kids)
A lifestyle where couples maintain high financial stability by choosing not to have children. Increasingly common among Filipino Millennials and Gen Z due to rising cost of living.
Damoves
A Taglish term describing someone’s smooth or bold romantic attempts, often subtle but intentional flirtation. “Nagpaparamdam” with a strategy.
Delikado Stage
A humorous PH slang meaning the moment things get emotionally risky—when flirtation becomes serious, or when you’re catching feelings unexpectedly.
Dry Texting
Short, low-effort replies like “ok,” “haha,” “idk,” or just reacting to messages. Seen as a sign of low interest or emotional distance.
E
Eksena Energy
A Filipino slang-style term meaning someone loves drama—either starting it or gravitating toward it. In dating, this refers to partners who thrive on emotional highs/lows, “pa-awa” moments, or constant LQ cycles.
Exclusive (Exclusive Dating / Exclusive FWB)
A stage where two people agree they’re seeing only each other, but aren’t fully “mag-on” yet. A very common gray area, especially among those avoiding labels but wanting loyalty.
Emotional Availability / Unavailability
A modern dating must-know. Someone emotionally available is open to connection; someone unavailable avoids deeper feelings or commitment. A huge talking point among Filipino Gen Z and young professionals.
Emotional Cheating
Engaging in flirty, intimate, or deep emotional conversations with someone outside your relationship. Often overlaps with micro-cheating. Filipino couples recognize this as “tinatago mong kausap.”
Energy Check
A TikTok-era phrase asking: “Do our vibes match?” In PH dating, “iba kami ng energy” usually means mismatched values, effort, or communication style.
F
FWB (Friends With Benefits)
FWB or “friends with benefits” means a friendship that includes physical intimacy without commitment. Boundaries vary—from casual setups to exclusive FWB arrangements. It’s often confused with FUBU, which is more sex-focused than friendship-based.
FUBU (F* Buddy)
A purely physical arrangement with minimal emotional connection. In the Philippines, this is a widely used term—often more direct and less “friendly” compared to FWB. Many use it interchangeably, but FUBU usually involves less emotional closeness.
Friendzone
A classic term where one person likes someone romantically but is seen only as a friend. Filipino culture even has its own memes and teleserye moments around it (“Ako na lang ulit?” energy).
Fading / Slow Fade
When someone gradually reduces communication instead of ghosting outright. Common signs: fewer replies, fewer plans, less effort. Gen Z sees this as “soft ghosting.”
Fleabagging
Repeatedly choosing partners who are clearly wrong for you—emotionally unavailable, inconsistent, or toxic. Named after the show Fleabag. In PH slang, this overlaps with “hinahanap niya talaga yung sakit.”
Future Faking
Overpromising big plans to win someone over, only to disappear or fail to follow through. A common red flag that Filipino TikTok users often call out (“laging pang future, pero in reality wala”).
Fan Behavior
Overly enthusiastic support toward a crush or partner by liking all posts, replying too quickly, or reacting to every story. Sometimes kilig, sometimes a beige flag.
Flaking
Canceling dates last minute or not showing up at all. In dating culture, this is considered a major turn-off, especially after damoves and plans are already set.
G
Ghosting
When someone disappears without warning—no replies, no closure. It’s often called “biglang nawala” or “hindi na nagparamdam.” One of the most common modern heartbreak experiences.
Gaslighting
Manipulating someone into doubting their own feelings, memory, or reality. Filipino examples: “Hindi ko ‘yan sinabi,” “Ikaw naman kasi yung sensitive,” or “Nag-i-imbento ka na naman.”
Green Flag
Positive traits that show someone is emotionally mature and worth pursuing—steady communication, honesty, respect, clear intentions. The opposite of “red flag.”
Gimik Dating
A Filipino twist referring to dating through group hangouts, nights out, or barkada events. Often used by Gen Z who prefer casual social settings over formal dates.
Getting the Ick
Developing sudden romantic repulsion over something minor. Filipinos describe this as “biglang nawala yung attraction” over a small behavior, vibe, or habit.
H
Hard Launch
Fully revealing a partner on social media—face, name, captions, everything. The opposite of a soft launch. This often means “FB official,” tagging each other, or posting a couple photo on IG.
Harutan
A Filipino term for playful, flirty teasing—banter, asaran, and light kilig. Often a gateway to the talking stage.
Hookup
A casual sexual encounter with no expectation of commitment. In PH usage, it overlaps with FUBU culture and modern app-based dating.
Hugot
Deep emotional sentiments linked to love or heartbreak. Not dating behavior, but a huge part of PH relationship culture. Often tied to romantic frustration or “relatable pain.”
Hard Pass
A blunt rejection—zero interest. Commonly used online or in dating discussions to express an immediate “no.”
I
Ick (The Ick)
A sudden turn-off that kills attraction instantly. Extremely common in Filipino TikTok dating content—“na-ick ako” is now part of modern vocabulary.
Ikaw na talaga
A Filipino romantic expression meaning “You’re really the one.” A mix of kilig + commitment, often used online or in couple content.
Ikaw muna era
A PH social media phrase meaning “I’m focusing on myself first.” Popular among Gen Z who choose healing or self-priority over dating.
J
Jowa
Filipino slang for boyfriend or girlfriend. More casual than “partner,” more affectionate than “bf/gf.” Used in phrases like “May jowa ka na?” or “Magjowa na sila.”
Jowable
A playful Filipino term meaning someone is “dateable” or “potential jowa material.” Often used when someone shows green-flag traits or glow-up vibes.
Jojowain o Totropahin
A popular PH trend where someone decides whether another person is “dating material” or just “friend material.” Common in TikTok challenges and barkada banter.
K
Kabit
A person who becomes romantically involved with someone already in a relationship. A culturally loaded term in PH discussions about cheating or hidden relationships.
Kilig
The classic Filipino feeling of butterflies or giddiness. A staple in PH love language—used for everything from crush interactions to slow-burn romantic moments.
Konsume Dating
PH TikTok-coined term for dating someone who drains your emotional battery. Derived from “nakaka-konsume,” meaning emotionally exhausting or stressful.
Karinderya Dating
A humorous Filipino term for low-budget but heartfelt dates—sharing tapsilog, pares, or lugaw instead of fancy dinners. Often overlaps with affordating.
L
Love Bombing
Overwhelming someone with intense affection early on—messages, gifts, declarations—to fast-track intimacy. Seen both in PH dating and teleserye narratives. Often a red flag.
Landi
Flirty behavior—playful teasing, hinting, messaging late at night. “Malandi” can be affectionate or judgmental depending on tone.
LDR (Long-Distance Relationship)
Extremely common among Filipinos because of OFW dynamics, long commutes, or cross-island setups. Requires consistent communication and trust.
M
M.U. (Mutual Understanding)
A classic Filipino label for two people who have feelings for each other but aren’t officially together. Emotional intimacy without formal commitment.
MOMOL (Make-Out Make-Out Lang)
A casual, physical setup focused on kissing or light intimacy without the intention of forming a relationship. Popular among younger Filipinos who want low-pressure affection.
MOMOX
A more intense version of MOMOL, involving deeper physical intimacy but still without romantic commitment.
Micro-Cheating
Small actions that blur the line of loyalty: flirty DMs, secret Snap threads, or saving someone as a “fake name” on your phone. Feels minor but can hurt trust.
Micro-mance / Micromance
Romantic gestures that are small but meaningful, such as sending memes, playlists, or morning coffee runs. Popular with those who value effort over extravagance.
Mag-on
Filipino slang meaning two people are already officially a couple. Often used in updates like “Uy, sila na—mag-on na sila.”
Move On
To emotionally detach from someone after a breakup or failed talking stage. Strong PH cultural usage because of hugot culture and teleserye tropes.
N
Nanoship
A recently-coined term for extremely short connections—flirty encounters that last minutes, hours, or a single date with no follow-up. Like meeting someone at an event and never seeing them again.
Negging
Subtle put-downs disguised as flirting (“Mas bagay sa’yo long hair… para hindi halata na lumalaki yung noo mo”). Used to create insecurity and gain control.
No Label Relationship (NLR)
A common Filipino setup: exclusivity is implied through actions, but there’s no formal label.
NBSB / NGSB
“No Boyfriend Since Birth” / “No Girlfriend Since Birth.” Filipino shorthand to describe someone who has never been in a relationship.
O
Orbiting
When someone ghosts you but still watches your IG Stories, interacts with TikToks, or likes your posts. No communication, just digital lurking.
Off-Again / On-Again
A cyclical relationship pattern where a couple repeatedly breaks up and reconciles. Filipinos also use “balikan” to describe this loop.
Overfunctioning
When one person does all the emotional labor—planning dates, checking in, fixing conflicts—while the other coasts. A rising topic in dating discussions around boundaries.
P
Parausan
A harsh Filipino slang term for someone treated as a purely physical outlet—used casually but carries a strong negative connotation. Often mentioned when discussing disrespectful or exploitative dynamics.
Pocketing
When someone hides you from their real life: no introductions to friends, no tags on social media, no posts together. In PH culture, it’s often linked to “ayaw ka niya i-public kasi may iba.”
Porma / Pormahan
To fix yourself up—dressing well, grooming, and presenting your best self to impress someone. Commonly used in early dating or ligaw contexts.
Q
Quiet Dumping
When someone slowly pulls away instead of breaking up directly—short replies, fewer calls, minimal effort. Similar to slow fade but more intentional.
Quaranfling
Born during the pandemic but still used. It refers to a connection sparked through boredom, loneliness, or online chats. Filipinos still use it jokingly to describe low-investment digital flings.
R
Red Flag
A warning sign that someone may not be good for you, due to their dishonesty, controlling behavior, chronic jealousy, inconsistent messaging.
Rizz
Short for charisma. Used to describe someone’s ability to charm or flirt effortlessly. Filipino usage: “Solid rizz niya sa bar kagabi.”
Rebound
A relationship or fling started shortly after a breakup. Often associated with trying to distract oneself (or someone else) from heartbreak.
Roster Dating
Entertaining multiple people at once in the talking stage. People also often call this “rotation,” as in “May roster siya, wag ka umasa.”
S
Situationship
A romantic or physical connection without labels—more than friends but not an official couple. Very common among Gen Z Filipinos who prefer flexibility but often leads to “ano ba tayo?” confusion.
Soft Launch
Hinting at a new partner through subtle posts: a hand, dinner setup, car dashboard shots, or a “POV: good night” photo.
Slow Fade
When someone loses interest and gradually reduces messages, calls, or plans. Similar to ghosting but slower and usually more obvious.
Simp
Someone who excessively gives attention, gifts, or effort to someone they like—even if it’s not reciprocated. Filipino usage ranges from teasing (“simp ka na naman”) to serious boundary issues.
Shrekking
Prioritizing personality over physical looks—a meme-turned-term inspired by Shrek. Used humorously in PH dating convos: “Nag-shrek ka? Character over looks na tayo?”
Selos / Selosa / Seloso
Jealousy in Filipino relationships—often tied to delete-history behavior, secret DMs, or changes in attention.
T
Talking Stage
The pre-dating phase where two people chat consistently and check for compatibility.
Torpe
A Filipino term for someone who’s shy or awkward around their crush, or wants to make a move but freezes.
Thirst Trap
A sexy or suggestive photo meant to attract attention. Common on TikTok or Instagram; People also joke about “revenge thirst traps” after breakups.
Tampo
A uniquely Filipino emotional response—silent treatment or slight withdrawal because of hurt feelings. Not full anger, just disappointment.
V
Vibe Check
A quick read of someone’s energy or compatibility, whether chatting, on a date, or before meeting IRL.
W
Wokefishing
Pretending to have progressive views (feminism, LGBTQ+ support, activism) just to impress or attract someone. Extremely common as a red flag on dating apps.
Wingman / Wingwoman
A friend who assists in flirting or creating opportunities. This includes boosting your photos, joining group hangs, and confirming you’re “single and available.”
Y
Yellow Flag
Mid-level concerns—not as serious as red flags, not as harmless as beige flags. Used when someone notices small inconsistencies that could grow into bigger problems.
Z
Zombieing
When someone who ghosted you suddenly reappears as if nothing happened. Very common among Filipino young adults, especially when an ex resurfaces with “Uy, kamusta ka?”
Clarity Makes Space for Connection
Modern dating moves fast, and learning the vocabulary helps you understand intentions, boundaries, and patterns more clearly. These terms reflect how Filipinos communicate connection today: more honest, expressive, and aligned with the realities of online-first relationships. When you know the language, you read situations better, protect your emotional space, and build healthier dynamics with the people you choose to date.
Modern dating moves fast, and learning the vocabulary helps you understand intentions, boundaries, and patterns more clearly. These terms reflect how Filipinos communicate connection today: more honest, expressive, and aligned with the realities of online-first relationships. When you know the language, you read situations better, protect your emotional space, and build healthier dynamics with the people you choose to date.
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