From rizz to throning, here’s your ultimate guide to Gen Z‘s unofficial love language

Confused about what it means to be orbiting or tinselling? Here’s the Gen Z dating slang you need to know ahead of the new year.

Language is always changing and as generations come and go, so does a new set of slang that leaves those that came before them more confused than the last.

This has only continued with Gen Z who have created their own love language for the digital-era of dating, using words like “orbiting”, “throning,” and “breadcrumbing”- the latter of which has nothing to do with actual bread.

While it may seem like gibberish to older generations, the slang often seeks to address “the drama that unfolds” when dating.

“Gen Z have a fun and lighthearted approach to slang, you can sort of see it in words like rizz – which does have a proper meaning (charisma) – but you’ll also see them having a laugh anyone who uses the term too seriously,” dating expert Alita Brydon said.

Social media and online dating culture have given rise to new slang like ghosting.

Northern suburbs single Zoe Tweddell, who is “at the older end of the Gen Z spectrum”, said it also made it easier to discuss what was happening in her love life with friends.

“I remember when the term ‘gaslighting’ came to prominence, and it was actually a great catalyst for bringing awareness and conversation to inappropriate behaviours,” the breakfast radio producer said.

“I think the same thing is happening with these newer terms like ghosting, love bombing, red flags … they give young people simple phrases that encompass their situation and how they’re feeling, making it easier to talk about their lives.

“I think Gen Zs cop a lot of criticism for their often quirky or seemingly ‘silly’ slang but if it makes it easier for them to discuss relationships, is it really such a bad thing?”

Dating expert Alita Brydon says while slang is often lighthearted, it can be used to make talking about relationship problems easier. Picture: Penny Stephens

Take for example, “throning,” which describes a person who dates someone to elevate their own social status or “breadcrumbing,” which is when someone strings you along by giving you “crumbs” of attention.

Ms Brydon, who founded the hugely popular Bad Dates of Melbourne and Bad Dates of Australia Facebook pages, said her older followers often had “light bulb” moments when discovering these terms.

“I sometimes see Gen X followers reading through comments from younger generations and having these light bulb moments where they realise it’s not just them,” she said.

“Language is powerful – don’t underestimate how validating dating slang can be and how it helps us collectively push for change.”

Jimmy McFarlane, Zoe Tweddell, Emily Hicks, Ella Wiltshire and Tallulah Robbat talk dating slang and culture at Mothervine. Picture: Brett Hartwig

And while its “tough” trying to find love in a culture of keeping your options open, the single life isn’t all doom and gloom, Ms Tweddel said.

“I’ve got so many amazing single friends who are enjoying living their own lives, and also looking forward to one day settling down or falling in love,” she said.

“I have met and dated some wonderful men from online dating apps. My last relationship, while it didn’t work out, originated online and that initial experience was really exciting and positive.

“I think society puts a lot of emphasis on needing a partner to feel fulfilled, and I am guilty of this belief sometimes too, but Gen Zers have a lot more to offer the world than just our relationship status.”

What do you think of the new generation of slang? Let us know in the comments.

Originally published as From rizz to throning, here’s your ultimate guide to Gen Z‘s unofficial love language