Hesidating - meaning and definition
Alsohesi-datinghesitant datinghesidate
Definition
Feeling unsure about what you want from dating, such as something serious or something casual, and hesitating to commit to either.
At a glance
- A blend of hesitating and dating.
- Unsure whether you want something serious or casual.
- Often linked to uncertainty, burnout or life changes.
- Being honest about the uncertainty helps everyone.
In detail
Hesidating blends hesitating and dating. It describes the in-between state of someone who is still dating but cannot decide whether they want a relationship, something casual or a break, so they hold back from both. It is often linked to uncertain times, dating fatigue or recent life changes.
Being unsure is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Problems arise mainly when the uncertainty is not shared, leaving a match to guess. Saying "I'm still working out what I want" is a simple way to keep things honest.
In a sentence
- I'm hesidating, I like him but I don't know if I want a relationship right now.
- My profile says I'm open to anything, which honestly means I'm hesidating.
Where the word comes from
Appeared in a dating-app trend report in late 2024 and spread through lifestyle media.
Not to be confused with
- Commitment phobia
Commitment phobia is an ongoing fear of commitment; hesidating is usually short-term uncertainty.
Common questions
Is hesidating the same as being commitment-phobic?
No. Commitment phobia is a lasting fear of commitment. Hesidating is usually a temporary state of not yet knowing what you want.
What should I do if I am hesidating?
Many people find it helps to slow down, reflect on what they enjoyed or disliked in past dating, and tell matches honestly that they are still figuring it out.