dogfishing noun [U]
UK /ˈdɒg.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/ US /ˈdɑːg.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/
using a photo of you with someone else’s dog in your profile on dating apps to make yourself seem more attractive to potential partners

A new word has just dropped in the dating world, and of course, it’s only making everything a lot more complicated. “Dogfishing”: a term to describe the act of using photos of dogs on your dating app profiles to make yourself more attractive to other users. Well, if you were planning on using this foolproof tactic for your own profile, we have some bad news: gals just aren’t into it anymore.
[stellar.ie, 3 October 2025]

See also catfishing

choremancing noun [U]
UK /ˈtʃɔː.mænsɪŋ/ US /ˈtʃɔːr.mænsɪŋ/
a trend where two people combine a romantic date with doing everyday tasks such as food shopping or housework

Forget wining, dining, or getting dressed up for a fancy first date. According to TikTok, you should just throw on some jeans and meet at the grocery store. This dating hack has been dubbed “choremancing,” and it’s all about romancing each other while doing chores. Think grabbing coffee then running a few errands. By doing chores together early on, you’re less likely to end up with a partner who doesn’t know how to cook, clean, or grocery shop the same way you do. Choremancing allows you to see their life skills in action.
[bustle.com, 3 March 2026]

clear coding noun [U]
UK /ˌklɪər ˈkəʊ.dɪŋ/ US /ˌklɪr ˈkoʊ.dɪŋ/
the practice of being honest and open about how you want a relationship to develop when dating someone new, rather than giving hints or confusing messages

You may have heard the whole “clear coding” term floating around the dating world. It means communicating in a clear, accurate, readily readable manner without hidden meanings or surprises. You wouldn’t, for example, design a computer program to act as if it’s not interested in a user when it really is. Similarly, in dating, clear coding is about being frank and open about yourself and your interests and intentions.
[psychologytoday.com, 27 February 2026]

About new words