【1986 Archives】

We're in the midst of a high-stakes time in dating. It's cuffing season986 Archives when people scour dating apps to find a partner for the colder months (at least in the northern hemisphere). This year we also have to contend with winter coating, a trend of people reaching out to exes in the hopes of putting on an old "coat" (getting back together) for the holidays.

That's not the only trend going on. On the opposite side of winter coating is cobwebbing, which comes from the dating app Bumble.

Cobwebbing is dusting off the "cobwebs" — or old flames — so you can start fresh with someone new. As explained by Bumble's sex and relationship expert Dr. Caroline West, "By actively 'cobwebbing' your environment of the past, you can then move forward feeling more empowered, confident and open to meeting someone new."

West, a Ph.D. in sexuality studies, added, "Holding on to past relationships, whether that be phone numbers, messages, or even an old t-shirt, can hold you back when it comes to dating as you're not mentally focussed on the present."

• 'Beige flags' are the TikTok dating trend that could ruin your love life
• Winter coating is the latest dating trend for cuffing season
• Tinder Uni arrives in the UK so students can swipe right on campus crushes
• The best dating apps of 2025, tested & reviewed
• The best dating apps and sites for this cuffing season

As difficult as it may be to release your exes, it may be just what you need in order to move on. In addition to cuffing season, it's also spooky season — and it's time for those old ghosts to leave.

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