Future Faking

Future Faking (noun / verb / Dating Slang)

(Also heard as: Future faker, Future-faking)

Definition:

Making big, empty promises about a shared future, like holidays, moving in together or meeting the family, to keep someone invested right now. There is no real intention of following through.

Where It Comes From:

It is a relationship term that moved from therapy and self-help circles onto social media, where people use it to describe early-dating behaviour that feels too good to be true. UK searches rose by 94% year on year in March 2026, as more people started naming the pattern.

How People Actually Use It:

Used as a warning sign: lots of talk about the distant future but no commitment to simple plans this week. People share stories of partners who plan imaginary weddings, yet cancel on Saturday. It is usually used with a raised eyebrow, and is closely linked to being strung along.

Examples in the Wild:

• “He keeps talking about our wedding but will not confirm plans for Saturday. Pure future faking.”

  Meaning: He makes big promises he never backs up with action.

• “She said we would move to Spain in two years but cancels every date. Future faker.”

  Meaning: Her promises about the future are not matched by her behaviour now.

• “If the plans are always years away and never this weekend, that is future faking.”

  Meaning: Real commitment shows up in the present, not just in promises.

Similar Slang:

Bread Crumbing, Ghosting, Gaslighting, Catfish, Situationship, Love bombing

🛍 Shop on eBay › (affiliate)