Dating-app slang & abbreviations

Stashing

Alsopocketingbeing stashedhidden partnersecret relationship

Definition

When someone you are dating keeps you hidden from their friends, family and social media, without an agreed reason.

At a glance

  • Being kept hidden from a partner's friends, family and social media.
  • Also called pocketing.
  • It can signal the relationship is seen as temporary or is being hidden from someone.
  • There can be innocent reasons, such as privacy or not being out.

In detail

Stashing (sometimes called pocketing) describes a partner who never introduces you to anyone in their life or mentions you publicly, even after a while. It can signal that they see the relationship as temporary, or that they are hiding it from someone.

There can be innocent reasons, such as privacy, a difficult family or not being out. Asking directly is fairer than assuming, and the answer usually clarifies how serious things are.

In a sentence

  • Six months in and I've never met any of his friends. Am I being stashed?
  • She's not stashing you, she just keeps her family out of her dating life.

Where the word comes from

Stashing was popularised in dating journalism in the late 2010s, as part of a wave of new words for modern dating behaviour.

Not to be confused with

  • Soft launch

    A soft launch reveals a partner gradually; stashing keeps them hidden.

Common questions

How do I know if I'm being stashed?

Signs include never being introduced to friends or family, never appearing on their social media and plans always happening in private, even after some time. Ask directly; there may be a reason, and the answer usually shows how serious things are.

Related terms