Benching

Slang Term BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★☆☆ Moderate Casual
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Meaning: Keeping someone as backup option without commitment (modern dating).

把某人当备胎,不承诺(现代恋爱用语)。
Mantener a alguien como plan B sin compromiso (lenguaje moderno de citas).
キープする、コミットせずにバックアップとして確保する(現代の恋愛用語)。
헌신 없이 누군가를 예비 후보로 잡아두는 것 (현대 연애 용어).

'Benching' is keeping someone interested as a backup option while pursuing others. Like a sports bench—not in the game but not released either. String someone along without commitment.

'Benching'是在追求其他人的同时,把某人当作备选对象留着。就像体育比赛中的替补席——没上场但也没被释放。不给承诺却吊着对方。
'Benching' es mantener a alguien interesado como opción de reserva mientras persigues a otras personas. Como el banquillo en el deporte: no estás en el juego, pero tampoco te dejan ir. Dar esperanzas sin comprometerse.
「Benching」は他の人を追いかけながら、誰かをバックアップの選択肢としてキープすること。スポーツのベンチのように、試合に出ないが解放もされない。コミットせずに相手をつなぎ止めること。
'Benching'은 다른 사람을 만나면서 누군가를 예비 후보로 관심을 유지시키는 것입니다. 스포츠 벤치처럼—경기에 뛰지는 않지만 방출되지도 않은 상태입니다. 헌신 없이 상대를 질질 끌고 가는 것입니다.

Examples

  1. I think he's benching me.
    我觉得他在把我当备胎
    Creo que me tiene en el banquillo
    彼に私はキープされてると思う
    그 사람이 나를 후보로 잡아두고 있는 것 같아.
  2. Stop benching people.
    别再把人当备胎了
    Deja de tener a la gente en el banquillo
    人をキープするのはやめなよ
    사람을 후보로 잡아두지 마.
  3. You're on the bench.
    你被当备胎了
    Estás en el banquillo
    あなたはキープされてるよ
    너는 후보 명단에 있는 거야.

Pronunciation

/ˈbɛntʃɪŋ/

Usage Guide

Context: dating apps, manipulation, backup options

Tone: critical

✓ Do Say

  • Benching
    当备胎
    tener en el banquillo
    キープすること
    차선으로 두기
  • Benched
    被当备胎了
    dejado en el banquillo
    キープされた
    차선이 되었다
  • On the bench
    坐冷板凳,当备胎
    en el banquillo
    ベンチ入り、キープされている
    대기 중, 차선으로 놓여 있는

✗ Don't Say

  • Manipulative behaviour
    属于操控性行为
    Comportamiento manipulador
    相手を弄ぶ行為
    조종하는 행동

Common Mistakes

Origin & History

Sports metaphor—keeping players on the bench as reserves. In dating, keeping people waiting without committing to them or letting them go.

Etymology: From sports bench (reserve players)

First recorded: 2010s, dating app era

Cultural Context

Era: 2010s onwards

Generation: Dating app users

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Dating advice

Regional notes: Universal modern dating.

Variations

BenchingBenched

More From This Topic

Fancy ★★★★★ Be attracted to, have romantic interest in (British). Pull ★★★★★ Successfully attract someone romantically; kiss or hook u... Fit ★★★★★ Attractive, good-looking (British slang). Snog ★★★★★ Kiss passionately, make out (British). Seeing someone ★★★★★ In the early stages of dating, not yet official (British). Official ★★★★★ In a committed, acknowledged relationship (modern dating).
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