Breadcrumbing, Benching, and Other Bullsh*t: Modern dating behaviors that mess with your head.

It’s not just ghosting anymore. From breadcrumbing and benching to orbiting and love bombing, today’s dating landscape has a whole new vocabulary—and it’s not just about decoding the terms. In this episode, Lilly and Amelia go beyond definitions to unpack the why: Why are these behaviors so common? What psychological needs are they meeting? And most importantly, what emotional impact do they leave behind?

In this episode, we discuss:

• What breadcrumbing, benching, ghosting, and love bombing actually mean
• The psychological and emotional motivations behind these behaviors
• The impact these patterns have on self-worth, trust, and relationship expectations
• Why we sometimes tolerate these dynamics longer than we should

Therapist Insights:

• Tools for protecting your emotional energy and responding with intention
• Reflection questions for understanding your own patterns and boundaries in dating

Reflection Prompts:

• Have you ever felt strung along or “kept on the bench”?
• What stories do you tell yourself when someone gives you just enough attention to stay?
• How do you want to feel in your relationships, and what needs to shift for that to happen?

Closing Thoughts:

Dating trends might be constantly evolving, but emotional accountability still matters. This episode is about calling out the bullsh*t—not just to complain, but to better understand ourselves and advocate for healthier connections.

Dating In Your 20s Anonymous Corner

We'd love to hear from you! Check out the anonymous DIY20s Form. It's a safe, judgment-free space to share what’s going on in your love life.

Connect with the hosts:

Lilly Wehman: Millennium | LinkedIn
Amelia Abernathy: Millennium | Linkedin
 

This podcast is powered by Millennium Counseling Center in Chicago, IL. To learn more visit: millenniumhope.com