Pocketing is the new Gen Z dating term that could mean something seriously wrong

Modern dating can be a minefield, and now Gen Z has coined another term for when things aren't going as well as you might have hoped.

First there was ghosting, then 'breadcrumbing', 'fizzling' and the dreaded situationship.

Then came the 'penny method', 'throning', and even 'shrekking'.

In case you're confused by the last two, 'throning' is dating not for love, but to increase your social status because of the other person. 'Shrekking', on the other hand, isn't about a fairytale ending but 'dating down' and deliberately choosing a partner who is 'less attractive' than you. Ouch.

Now, it seems there's another one to be on your guard for in 2026 and that's 'pocketing'.

As far as names go, it actually sounds like it should be something cuter than it is, but with Valentine's Day fast approaching, it's not one you'd want to wind up involved in.

Are you being 'pocketed'? (Getty Stock Images)

What is 'pocketing'?

Pocketing has been compared to breadcrumbing in that it involves a relationship where you're given just enough to keep you hanging on and invested in things.

The difference is that pocketing involves being kept secret by your partner.

This can include being hidden from social media, or your partner refusing to introduce you to their friends or family.

Essentially, keeping you in their pocket, away from everyone else.

Nobody wants to be a dirty little secret, so this is one dating trend that can cause serious heartache.

Why the other person decides to keep things secret could be due to any number of reasons.

Maybe they're private, or perhaps they're feeling unsure about the relationship and want to keep it hidden for that reason, rather than go public too soon, only for it to fail.

Many people have had that dreaded moment of hard launching a connection, only for it to dramatically fall at the next hurdle.

However, it could also be someone trying to hide the fact that they're cheating.

If one person is keen to share on social media but the other isn't, it can cause issues (Getty Stock Images)

After all, if nobody close to them knows they're in a relationship, it makes it much easier to do.

Sex and relationship therapist Mim Kempson told Body & Soul that the decision of when to tell family and friends about a partner is a very personal one.

She explained that it depends on many factors, including 'cultural or religious views, past experiences, and the sort of relationship we have with our biological and chosen families'.

"Like anything, there are no universals here," she added.

Kempson continued: "Pocketing is only an issue if people aren't having honest conversations as the relationship progresses."

The expert said one of the key questions to ask yourself is 'What sort of relationship have we agreed to and is it clear?' Before talking about it.

If their answer doesn't match yours, Kempson said communication is key and that you should 'talk about and reflect on whether that relationship really is a good fit'.