'Benching' is the new 'ghosting' – and it may be even worse

Have you ever wondered why someone you thought you had hit off with suddenly disappeared into the ether – only to rear their head every now and then, just to keep you hanging on…

Well, we have bad news for you – you may be a victim of 'benching'.

So what is it, exactly? Benching refers to the act of dating someone you’re not necessarily into – when you’re not sure if you want to stay in them or to move on to the next person.

But instead of doing any of the two, you 'bench' the person and go out with other people until you finally decide who and what you want.

The bencher will string the victim (benchee?) by continuing to respond to their messages, like their posts, even slide into their DMs (send them a private message on Instagram or Twitter).

But there's one thing they won’t do – actually see the person!

According to Singles Warehouse, there are two types of benching:

1. Being technically single, but keeping someone you’re sort-of keen on on the hook – until someone better comes along, of course.

2. Actually being in a relationship with that person – but keeping your options open just in case.

Have you been a victim of benching? Let us know on our Facebook page!

Source: Mirror.co.uk, Urban Dictionary, Singles Warehouse