What is Getting Zombied in Dating? The New Dating Trend
by A N Rahul
Updated May 05, 2023
What is Getting Zombied in Dating?
To "get zombied" in dating is a phenomenon where someone who had previously disappeared or "ghosted" suddenly reappears in your life, usually after a significant period of time. The term originates from the idea of a corpse coming back to life, like a zombie, to haunt you. This trend has gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok, where people share their experiences of being "zombied."
It can happen in various forms of relationships, including dating, one-night stands, or friends with benefits. The person who gets zombied is often caught off guard by the sudden reappearance of the ghosted individual. The term gained popularity on social media in March 2018 when it was first published on Urban Dictionary, and later became a widely recognized term in popular culture.
With the rise of dating apps and social media, the trend of getting zombied has become more prevalent in the dating world, leaving many people feeling confused and frustrated. In short, getting zombied is a new dating term for someone who ghosts you but then comes back from the dead, and it can be a frustrating and confusing experience for those who experience it.
Getting Zombied the New Dating Trend
"Getting zombied" started trending as a dating term when it was first published on Urban Dictionary in March 2018. The definition stated that it is when someone you have dated, had a one-night stand with, or were friends with benefits with, ghosts you, and then comes back later. The term gained popularity on TikTok as many users began sharing their own experiences of being "zombied." In April 2023, TikTok user Spice Rack posted a video re-enacting her own experience of being zombied, set to the tune of Lana Del Rey's song "Watercolor Eyes" from the TV show Euphoria.
In the video, Spice Rack described how she was thrilled when a woman messaged her online, and they had great chemistry while gaming, talking, and spending time together. However, after just three days, Spice Rack realized that she had been ghosted. She was left feeling confused, wondering if she had overshared or come on too strong. Three months later, the woman messaged Spice Rack again, saying, "Hey, what's up?" But Spice Rack was hesitant to respond, knowing that she had been ghosted before.
The video shows how getting zombied can be a frustrating experience that can leave people feeling uncertain and uneasy. The trend of getting zombied has become popular on social media due to the rise of dating apps and online communication, and it highlights the confusing and frustrating nature of modern dating.
What is being Zombied?
Being "zombied" is a dating phenomenon where someone who has previously "ghosted" or disappeared from your life suddenly reappears, even after months or years have passed. The term "zombieing" was coined by the phone number app Burner in a report that explained how people could "rise from the digital dead."
There are two types of "zombies" according to Burner's report. The first type is an actual ex-partner who suddenly contacts you after a long period of no communication. The second type is someone you went on a few casual dates with who then disappeared and then randomly pops back up.
The experience of being zombied can be confusing and frustrating. It can leave you questioning why the person disappeared in the first place and why they have now come back. In some cases, the person who was zombied might feel hopeful that there is a chance for the relationship to rekindle, while others may feel anxious and hesitant about re-engaging with the person who disappeared.
The rise of dating apps and online communication has made it easier for people to ghost or disappear from someone's life without explanation. However, getting zombied adds another layer of complexity to modern dating and relationships. It highlights the need for open and honest communication in all relationships, whether casual or serious, to avoid confusion and hurt feelings.
Where did "Getting Zombied" Trend Come from?
The term "getting zombied" originated online and gained traction on social media as a result of a TikTok video posted by singer-songwriter Mariel Darling. In the video, she talked about a new and horrifying dating trend called "zombied." The trend refers to the experience of being "ghosted," or suddenly cut off from communication with someone you were dating, only to have them reappear in your life unexpectedly, like a zombie rising from the dead. Mariel Darling's video sparked discussions online as people began sharing their own experiences of being zombied, and the term quickly gained popularity.
The rise of dating apps and online communication has made it easier for people to disappear without explanation, leading to confusion and hurt feelings for those who have been ghosted. The trend of getting zombied highlights the need for honest communication in all relationships, whether casual or serious, to avoid misunderstandings and emotional distress.
What is Getting Zombied in Dating-FAQs
"Getting zombied" is when someone who had previously "ghosted" or disappeared from your life suddenly reappears after a significant period of time.
The term "getting zombied" was first published on Urban Dictionary in March 2018, and later gained popularity on social media, particularly on TikTok.
"Getting zombied" can happen in various forms of relationships, including dating, one-night stands, or friends with benefits.
With the rise of dating apps and social media, it has become easier for people to disappear without explanation, leading to the trend of "getting zombied" becoming more prevalent in the dating world.