With the rise of digital communication and social media, the dating scene has been infiltrated by a new breed of low-effort tactics that promise connection but often result in confusion and heartbreak. These behaviours, often witnessed on online dating platforms, have been given catchy names like ‘breadcrumbing’ and ‘orbiting’. But what are they really, and why do they keep happening? This article will delve into these tactics, explaining what they are, why people use them, and why they usually backfire.

Expect a comprehensive list of ten low-effort dating tactics that are prevalent in today’s digital dating environment. Each section will help you understand what each tactic is, why it is used, and why it is more likely to ruin your chances of forming a meaningful connection than improve them.

Breadcrumbing

Breadcrumbing is the act of sending out flirtatious but non-committal messages to a potential partner. People who breadcrumb keep their potential partners hooked by giving them just enough attention to keep them interested, without ever committing to anything serious. It’s a low-effort tactic because it requires minimal emotional investment and can be done simultaneously with multiple people.

Today, breadcrumbing is more prevalent due to the rise of online dating and social media. However, the trend is backfiring as people are becoming more aware of these tactics and less tolerant of non-committal behaviour. Moreover, breadcrumbing is unlikely to lead to a meaningful relationship and often results in confusion and disappointment.

Orbiting

Orbiting is when someone who has cut ties with you continues to engage with your social media presence. They might like your posts, watch your stories, or even send you occasional messages, but they don’t express any desire to reconnect in real life. This behaviour can give the illusion of interest and is a way for the ‘orbiter’ to keep their options open without having to make any real effort.

As with breadcrumbing, the rise of social media and online dating has made orbiting more common. However, this tactic often backfires as it can leave the person being orbited feeling confused and hurt. The ambiguity of the orbiter’s actions can lead to misunderstandings and can prevent both parties from moving on.