According to the Red Lab Gen Z Slang Report, "for Gen Z, dating isn't just about romance; it's a reflection of their digital-first, emotionally aware world. From "benching" to "rizz", the language of love has evolved to reflect their fluid relationships, witty communication, and preference for authenticity over labels."
For Gen Z, dating isn't about playing by a rulebook — it's about figuring things out as we go in an always-online world. The way we talk about relationships has shifted to reflect that: more focus on emotional awareness, honest communication, and less pressure to define everything right away.
Whether it’s casually sharing someone on Instagram or letting a connection quietly fade, modern dating captures how Gen Z are adapting romance to fit real life — one message, one moment at a time.
The Red Lab Gen Z Slang Report hopes to "capture the living, breathing vocabulary of a generation that speaks in reactions, sound bites, and viral slang".
Simp: What is it?
It is high-effort, attention seeking behaviour. Simps over-invest fast, and mostly, in their relationship, the effort is one-sided. They tend to confuse validation with connection and can also accept disrespect, mixed signals, or crumbs for attention.
A simp is someone who puts way too much energy, attention, or loyalty into another person — usually a crush or partner — without it being returned. Think over-investing, people-pleasing, and bending over backward in hopes of affection.
Why it matters?
Signals unbalanced energy.
Tips: Boundaries protect self-respect.
How not to be a simp in a relationship?
~ Choose someone who chooses you
~ Avoid hyping your partner no matter what
~ Do not ignore your own boundaries just to stay in their good books
~ Stop doing the absolute most for someone who gives you crumbs
Being kind, emotionally available, or expressive doesn't automatically make someone a simp. The line is crossed when it turns into one-sided devotion.
Simping is about imbalance and self-neglect, not kindness. If the relationship disappeared tomorrow and you feel like you have lost your entire identity, that is simping.
