36 Ways to Respond to "What's Up"

Updated on October 21, 2024

Ever wondered how to respond when you get a simple “What’s up” in your messages? It does seem like a simple question that needs a simple answer.

But, in actuality, it is a question to catch your attention. It means that the person who hit you up with a “What’s up” wants to talk, so you’ll need to give your answer a little bit more thought before hitting “send.”

In this article, we’ll give you a set of ways to respond to “What’s up” based on the context of the situation.

Let’s have a look at the replies you can use!

What Are the Best Ways to Reply to "What's Up"?

Before you choose how a way to reply from the list of responses below, consider the context first. Is this a friend, an acquaintance, or a complete stranger? This should help you determine how you are going to answer.

Casual Response

A casual response is the “default response” that should work for most “What’s up” situations.

However, if you want to show a bit more interest in the person who hit you up, we suggest using the more creative (non-casual) responses below.

1. “Nothing much”

This response is a quick way to say hi back to your friend. It leaves it up to them to continue the conversation.

2. “Not much, what about you?”

Similar to the previous response, but with an open-ended question that will certainly expand into a longer conversation. It also shows more interest.

3. “Currently at work, so nothing much.”

Gives a nod to their “What’s up?” but also tells them that you might be busy, so they shouldn’t expect an immediate response or room for a longer conversation.

4. “Nothing, chilling at home"

Shows you’re not busy and open to talk.

5. “Relaxing, how about you?”

Friendly Response

A friendly response shows a great deal more interest in the oncoming conversation than the casual response. So, a great option for acquaintances or friends you haven’t talked to in a while.

Overall, a good way to respond to “What’s up.”

6. “Just finished watching a movie, what about you?”

A response that ends with an open-ended question but also gives a lot more information about yourself. So, the conversation can easily expand into “Which movie?” or “How did you like it?”.

7. “Was just about to head out and grab a cup of coffee. Want to join me?”

Great way to skip the chat altogether and catch up with your friend for a cup of coffee. It’s quite spontaneous but should work most of the time.

8. “Hey! I’m out with my friends.”

Gives a nod back, but hints that you’re already with people, so you might be a bit busy for a talk.

9. “With this kind of beautiful day? I’m great!”

Just overall a positive response, which is never the wrong option.

10. “Finishing up some work. How are you doing?”

Answers their question, and you ask back to keep the conversation going. Shows you’re interested.

11. “Doing great! Hope you’re having a great day as well!”

Another great response with a very positive tone.

Flirty Response

Flirty responses are great for potential love interests, dating app matches, and generally for people you’re attracted to. Also a good response for close friends as a joke.

With these responses, you want to show interest in the person, which will, in turn, get you a reply.

12. “Just thinking about you.”

Simple, straightforward, and very flirty. If you want to show your interest in someone, this is the way to do it.

13. “I was bored until I finally got a message from you.”

Good way to show how attracted you are to someone. Flirty and emotional.

14. “Oh nothing, I was just thinking about our potential date this weekend!”

Do you want to skip the small talk and invite them for a date? This is the way to do it.

15. “Not doing great, but seeing you would definitely change that.”

Another straightforward response to “What’s up” that can get you a date.

16. “Certainly not looking through your photos for the hundredth time, nope.”

A response that’s practically a compliment. Shows them just how attracted you are to them.

17. "Oh, you know, just thinking about someone who knows how to make my heart skip a beat. You!”

A very flirty response.

18. "I was lost in thought, but your message was a pleasant surprise for today. What's up with you?”

A bit lighter on the flirting, but it can still help keep the conversation going.

19. "Not much, just hoping I had someone special to share this moment with. Interested in being that someone?”

This can be a good response for someone who doesn’t yet know you’re interested in them. But also shows you are looking for a romantic relationship.

Playful Response

Playful responses can be used both for friends and romantic interests. It’s a great way to set the mood for the upcoming chat and show that you are in a good vibe.

20. “Just thinking about how many pizzas I could devour right now. Did I mention I was very hungry?

Who doesn’t like pizzas? So, a response with overall good vibes.

21. “Just trying to avoid adulthood. What's your choice of procrastination?”

Who can’t relate to a bit of laziness? Sets the mood for a talk.

22. “Supposedly working. Shh, don’t tell my boss!”

Don’t worry, they won’t tell your boss. But they’ll surely want to keep talking with you after this playful response.

23. “Counting down the time to freedom, just 7 more hours of work!”

Similar to the previous responses. Relatable, playful, and funny.

24. “Only boring stuff, so come on, let me hear a juicy story from your end.”

If you don’t have much to say, leave with this kind of open-ended question and let them talk about what’s up with them.

25. “Just hanging out with my imaginary friends. Want to join our exclusive club?”

It can help jump-start the conversation.

26. “I was just thinking what’s the best way to answer “What’s up.” Any ideas?”

A playful way to turn the conversation right back to them.

27. “I was just thinking about whether a YouTube channel of me eating ice cream for hours is good content. Would you watch?”

Goofy responses like these will always lighten up the mood and make room for more conversations.

28. "Just here, contemplating if I should start a band with my showerhead as the lead vocalist. What's your instrument of choice?”

Similar to the previous response.

Funny Response

A funny response is a good way to get a laugh out of someone. Making someone laugh can have a huge effect on your friendship or even relationship.

Humor is a very attractive trait; that’s why funny pick up lines are often successful.

29. “Just trying to convince my boss that I’m their boss. Doesn’t seem to be working.”

Even if you don’t think your joke isn’t that funny or strong, it’s still a good conversation starter. It will get a laugh either way, like this response, for example.

30. “At this moment? My cat. Yep, she’s standing right on my head.”

Good one if you have a cat.

31. “Just regular workweek struggles. How’s your struggle going?”

Everyone dreads the workweek, so it’s a pretty relatable response.

32. “Nothing. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

With this response, you don’t really say much, but you still open up room for more talk.

33. “The sky, I guess?”

A cheesy response with a very sarcastic tone. We recommend using this only with (close) friends because some people might find this kind of tone a bit negative.

34. “You go first! Then I’ll decide whether I should inflate my response to make myself cooler.”

Can’t go wrong with a joke on your behalf.

35. “The rent. No, seriously, it’s going up and hasn’t stopped.”

A true statement, but still funny.

36. “If I gave you the correct answer, it would be quite boring. Okay, I give up, the ceiling.”

Another joke that could prove as a good response.

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FAQs About Responding to "What's Up"

How do I deliver my response better?

The best way to deliver your response is with confidence. Once you send your response, don’t backtrack. If you want more success from your response to “What’s up”, try to customize the message based on the person who hit you up.

Can I reply with nothing to what's up?

Yes. With already established relationships like friends or a boyfriend/girlfriend, responding with “Nothing.” is fine. However, if you’re talking with a stranger, acquaintance, or possibly a dating app match, you should consider a more interactive response.

If you can’t come up with a good response, try our Chat Assistant service to give you a couple of prompts for “What’s up.”

How to answer "what's up" on Tinder?

A “What’s up” isn’t really a good first message on Tinder, but you’ll still need to put some effort into your response. Try to be playful, include a joke, and generally, you want to keep it light. You can also include open-ended questions to continue the conversation.

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Conclusion

With this list of very funny responses, you’re now equipped to react to anyone who will hit you up with a “What’s up.” We hope that these new responses will help you sprout new friendships and relationships.

If you’re specifically looking to respond to people from dating apps like Tinder or Hinge, check our blog for more witty responses. Our YourMove app is another good way to find the right response to messages.

You could also check out our Profile Writer to write your bio for free, which could boost the number of matches you get.