Let’s face it, dating in 2024 is like a digital Hunger Games, except instead of fighting for survival, we’re trying to decode if that flirty message or Instagram follow meant “I like you” or “I’m just bored.”
It’s an utterly exhausting endeavor, and who wants to waste their energy on playing games with a manipulative match? That’s why today we’re breaking down three of the most frustrating trends in modern dating – ghosting, orbiting, and breadcrumbing – and giving you some tips for how to navigate the confusion and chaos they leave in their wake.

Ghosting: the vanishing act we all hate

Ah, ghosting—the OG dating crime. You’re talking to someone, you think everything’s going great, and then … silence. No text. No call. They’ve vanished faster than you can say “takeout and a movie.” As much as you might want to believe they’ve moved to a remote village with no WiFi, it’s much more likely that they’re still lurking somewhere, scrolling Instagram while you’re left with questions.
Why do people ghost? There’s a lot at play—and none of it really has to do with you. Ghosting is often about avoidance. The ghoster doesn’t want to deal with the awkwardness of letting you down gently, so they decide it’s easier to just disappear. Easier for them, sure … but decidedly more difficult for you. You’re left staring at your phone, wondering what went wrong. In fact, the uncertainty is the worst part of ghosting. You keep replaying every single thing you said or did, wondering if you were too eager, too boring, too something.
Truth bomb: ghosting is about their cowardice—not your worth—and the best thing you can do is dust off your metaphorical crown, remember that you’re fabulous, and move on.

Orbiting: when they ghost but keep watching

Let’s say you’ve been ghosted and you’re doing your best to move on. You’ve deleted the texts, blocked the number, and sworn off the mysterious hottie who ghosted you. But wait! They still seem to be everywhere online. There they are brazenly liking your posts, watching your stories, and occasionally commenting with the eyes emoji. What the …?
This, my friends, is orbiting.
Orbiting is what happens when someone’s too lazy to actually maintain a relationship but wants to keep you in their back pocket. They’re not in your life, but they’re not gone either—just floating around.
Why do they do this? Ego. They want to be remembered, to feel like they still have a hold on you, and to keep a backdoor to reunion open. Whatever their reason, you deserve someone who’s fully present—not someone who’s only half there. Boot these jerks out of your orbit by blocking them from your socials and your mind.

Breadcrumbing: the trail that leads nowhere

Does your would-be romantic interest consistently leave you hanging? Do they literally nevermake real plans? Are they always sending casual “hey, stranger” texts but going MIA when you suggest you take things to the next level?
You’re being breadcrumbed, my friend.
Breadcrumbing is a manipulative dating tactic that’s all about control. Those who engage in it want to keep you interested without ever fully committing to you. The catch is that they don’t want you to move on either, so they sprinkle just enough crumbs to make you think there’s a path to something more. It’s the emotional equivalent of stringing you along on an imaginary leash.
It’s gross and it says waaay more about them than it does about you. You deserve a partner who shows up, not someone who leaves you craving more. Reject those breadcrumbs and find yourself a full snack.

How to disengage with ghosters, orbiters, and breadcrumbers

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, but why do we let these people get away with ghosting, orbiting, and breadcrumbing?”
The answer is that sometimes we mistake attention for affection. Plus, modern dating makes it easy for people to dodge accountability. Back in the day, avoiding someone meant physically dodging them in person. Now, a click of a button and poof—they’re gone, or they’re just lurking enough to keep you hooked.
Modern dating is confusing, but remember: you have the power to not engage with behaviors that don’t serve you. The secret to doing so involves boundaries, clarity, and a little bit of sass.
Set boundaries: If someone ghosts you and then tries to reappear months later with a casual “hey”—you owe them nothing. Set the boundary that you deserve more than a ghost reappearance act. Make it clear to yourself and them: you’re not an option, you’re a choice.
Demand clarity: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If someone is breadcrumbing you, it’s okay to say, “Are you genuinely interested in getting to know me, or are we just flirting for fun?” A person who respects you will be honest, even if it’s not the answer you’re hoping for.
Lean into your power: You’re a catch. You’re someone’s dream partner. Never let a ghoster, orbiter, or breadcrumber make you feel like you’re anything less. If someone’s behavior is making you question your value, that’s a sign it’s time to let them go.
The next time someone decides to ghost, orbit, or breadcrumb you? Just know you’re dodging a bullet. Because the right relationship won’t have you refreshing your messages at 1 a.m. or wondering if you’re enough. It’ll be easy, genuine, and—best of all—it’ll be real.