They've been parachuting into your DMs for about 5 years. You're not dating and it's social media, so you pay no mind to comments like "GM Beautiful", "Maybe we should go out one day", "👋🏽", "I like you" and "No invite". If they see you out, they flirt with no follow-through on the shots they've been shooting. But at some point you give in and even if they do take you out on a date or three, there's still no real commitment to dating after. This is called breadcrumbing. Breadcrumbing is a term that originated in the context of online dating and refers to a behavior where someone gives you just enough attention or communication to keep you interested but never fully commits to a relationship. The term is derived from the Hansel and Gretel fairy tale, where characters leave a trail of breadcrumbs to find their way back.
In the context of modern dating, breadcrumbing involves sporadic and minimal communication, occasional likes or comments on social media, or other small gestures that may give the impression of interest without actually leading to a deeper connection or commitment. The person who is breadcrumbing may not be genuinely interested in a relationship but keeps the other person on the "hook" for various reasons, such as ego gratification, the thrill of the chase, or fear of loneliness.
Breadcrumbing can be emotionally frustrating and confusing for the person on the receiving end, as it creates a sense of hope and anticipation without any real progress in the relationship. It's considered a form of emotional manipulation and can lead to disappointment and heartache for those seeking a more meaningful connection. To avoid the disappointment you should address the person head on and express what you desire and ask what they're intentions are relationship wise so that the lines of communicaiton are clear.