Toxic dating trends to stay away from in 2025

[WORLD] As we step into 2025, dating has transformed beyond recognition. The rise of online dating platforms, social media influence, and a constant shift in societal norms have changed the way people approach relationships. While the digital era has made connecting with others more accessible, it has also given rise to several toxic dating trends. These negative behaviors not only damage emotional well-being but can also lead to confusion and heartbreak. To help you navigate the increasingly complex dating scene, it’s crucial to be aware of these harmful trends

Breadcrumbing: The False Hope Creator

Breadcrumbing, a term that’s been circulating for a while, is set to remain a prevalent dating trend in 2025. In its simplest form, breadcrumbing refers to when someone gives you just enough attention to keep you interested but never fully commits to a relationship. This behavior is typically characterized by sporadic texts, likes on social media posts, or vague future plans that never materialize.

Dr. Desmond Cheah, a mental health consultant, highlights the emotional toll of breadcrumbing: "These small gestures can leave people feeling stuck, constantly hoping that the relationship will evolve into something more substantial when, in fact, it's just a series of empty gestures."

The problem with breadcrumbing is that it creates a false sense of hope, making it difficult for individuals to move on or find closure. In 2025, it’s more important than ever to recognize when you’re being strung along and take the necessary steps to protect your emotional health. Trust your instincts and ask yourself whether the relationship is genuinely fulfilling or just feeding into a cycle of uncertainty.

Benching: The Backup Plan Syndrome

"Benching" is another toxic trend that’s set to gain more traction in 2025. This refers to when someone keeps you around as a backup option while actively pursuing other people. They’ll give you just enough attention to keep you interested, but they never fully commit. Benchers may text occasionally or invite you out on sporadic dates, but they never prioritize you.

This behavior can feel especially hurtful because it lacks clarity. As Dr. Cheah explains, “When you're being benched, you may feel like you're being kept on the sidelines, unable to move forward. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy and confusion, as the bencher doesn’t clearly communicate their intentions.” It’s crucial to recognize this pattern early, as it can prevent you from pursuing a genuine connection with someone who values you.

Being benched doesn’t just waste your time; it prevents you from finding a meaningful relationship. In 2025, it’s vital to avoid being someone’s second choice and to invest time only in people who are equally committed to creating a healthy, balanced relationship.

Ghosting: The Sudden Disappearing Act

While ghosting has been around for a few years now, it continues to be a toxic trend in dating that will persist in 2025. Ghosting occurs when someone cuts off all communication without any explanation, leaving the other person confused and hurt. The sudden disappearance can feel especially painful when there has been no sign of trouble in the relationship or communication leading up to it.

Ghosting is emotionally damaging because it offers no closure. People who are ghosted are often left questioning what went wrong and whether they did something to deserve it. Dr. Cheah emphasizes, “Ghosting reflects an inability or unwillingness to confront difficult situations. It’s a pattern that often stems from emotional immaturity, and it can leave lasting emotional scars.”

If you find yourself being ghosted, it’s essential to remind yourself that this behavior says more about the ghoster than it does about you. In 2025, communication is key to any relationship, and being left in the dark should not be tolerated. Respectful, honest communication should always be a cornerstone of dating.

Cushioning: Keeping Backup Options Open

Cushioning is a relatively new term in the dating world but has quickly gained recognition. It refers to the practice of keeping other romantic prospects around as safety nets, in case your current relationship doesn’t work out. Essentially, someone engaging in cushioning will maintain casual relationships or flirtations on the side, often without being upfront with their primary partner.

Dr. Cheah warns, "Cushioning undermines trust and honesty in relationships. When someone is not fully invested or transparent about their intentions, it can lead to confusion and feelings of betrayal once discovered."

The prevalence of social media and dating apps has made cushioning more convenient, but it doesn’t make it any less toxic. In 2025, it’s important to be clear with your intentions and to seek partners who are equally committed to building trust and fostering genuine connection.

The "Avoidant Discard": The Sudden Exit

The “avoidant discard” is a toxic trend that occurs when someone abruptly ends a relationship without any warning or explanation. This behavior is especially painful because it often happens after what seems like a stable and fulfilling relationship. The avoidant partner might withdraw emotionally, becoming distant and unreachable before ultimately cutting ties completely.

Dr. Cheah explains, "The avoidant discard can leave someone feeling abandoned, confused, and emotionally drained. It’s often the result of someone’s inability to cope with intimacy or confrontation, but it doesn’t make it any less hurtful."

This pattern of disappearing without closure is particularly damaging because it leaves the other person in a state of emotional limbo. They may constantly search for answers, trying to figure out what went wrong, which can interfere with their ability to heal and move forward. If you encounter this behavior, it’s essential to recognize the pattern early and protect your emotional well-being.

Love Bombing: The Overwhelming Flattery

Love bombing refers to when someone overwhelms you with excessive attention, compliments, and affection early on in the relationship. At first, it may feel flattering, but this intense adoration is often a manipulation tactic used to gain control over the other person. The love bomber may try to make you feel like you are their soulmate, only to later withdraw their affection when they feel they have you hooked.

While love bombing can initially seem exciting, it’s important to recognize the red flags. Dr. Cheah states, "Love bombing often masks an underlying need for control. The person doing the love bombing may become possessive or controlling once they’ve secured your emotional attachment."

In 2025, it’s vital to pace yourself in relationships and to evaluate whether the affection is genuine or part of a larger agenda. Healthy relationships evolve naturally and aren’t based on overwhelming displays of affection designed to manipulate emotions.

Toxic Positivity: The Pressure to Always Be Happy

Toxic positivity is the constant pressure to remain positive and optimistic, even when it’s not realistic or healthy. In the dating world, this manifests as people demanding that their partners remain upbeat and cheerful at all times, dismissing any negative emotions or concerns as “ungrateful” or “too much.”

This trend can be emotionally exhausting, as it invalidates feelings and creates an environment where individuals feel unable to express themselves authentically. Dr. Cheah suggests, “Being in a relationship requires emotional honesty. Toxic positivity creates a toxic dynamic where people are afraid to confront their real emotions or issues in the relationship.”

If you’re dating someone who insists on constantly being happy or dismisses your feelings, it’s essential to recognize this as an unhealthy trend. In 2025, prioritize relationships where both partners feel safe to express a full range of emotions.

Digital Detoxing: Disconnecting to Control

Digital detoxing, when used intentionally to improve mental health, can be beneficial. However, in 2025, a more toxic version of this trend is emerging, where one partner uses digital detoxing as a means of controlling the other. By disappearing from social media or going offline without explanation, they leave their partner wondering where they stand, only to reappear when it’s convenient for them.

Dr. Cheah notes, "Digital detoxing used as a tool for control is a sign of emotional manipulation. It’s a way for someone to assert dominance by making their partner feel insecure and uncertain."

Healthy relationships are built on transparency, not power dynamics. If someone is consistently using digital detoxing as a way to avoid communication or manipulate you, it’s time to reassess the relationship.

As we navigate the complexities of modern relationships in 2025, it’s more important than ever to be aware of the toxic dating trends that can harm our emotional well-being. From breadcrumbing to love bombing, toxic positivity to avoidant discard, these behaviors can create confusion, insecurity, and heartache.

By being vigilant, setting clear boundaries, and prioritizing honest communication, you can protect yourself from these damaging trends and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships. As Dr. Cheah advises, “Trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to walk away from relationships that feel emotionally unsafe.”

In 2025, healthy, meaningful relationships are built on respect, trust, and transparency. Keep these values at the forefront of your dating journey, and you’ll be better equipped to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of modern relationships.