“Something Casual”: What Does This Mean in Dating?

The dating scene nowadays really has terms that make you wonder.

‘Breadcrumbing’ is basically people leading others on, ‘Ghosting’ is a term for cutting off all contact without notice, and so on. But how about ‘something casual’?

When you've been dating for a while, especially on dating apps, people will often mention in their chats or bios that they're only looking for ‘something casual’.

But what does this term really mean?

In this article, we’re going to dive deep into this, giving you ideas on why people say this, and the things that you can do in response.

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What Do People Mean When They Say They’re Looking for “Something Casual”?

If you haven’t pieced things together just now, ‘something casual’ basically means that the person is looking for a hookup, or, just not looking for anything serious.

But, there is more to it, so let’s explore that!

They Are Looking For Hookups

Let’s be real, we can all appreciate a good one-night stand even when we’re looking for a serious relationship. Even one-night stands can sometimes lead to actual relationships.

So, people who say they’re looking for “something casual” probably mean they just want a quick hookup, or, at most, a friend with benefits, and nothing more than that.

They’ve Recently Been In A Long Relationship

Jumping from one serious relationship to another is never a good thing. That’s why people who are fresh into a breakup, probably aren’t looking to commit to another long-term relationship at that moment, so they want “something casual”.

They Prefer Seeing Other People

With online dating apps, seeing other people is more frequent than ever. People don’t want to commit into one person without testing out the waters.

So, if you see a “looking for something casual” in their Tinder bio, they might mean they prefer seeing other people as well. So, if you plan on sliding into their DMs, make sure to keep that in mind.

They’re Too Busy For Anything Serious

Not everyone is looking for hookups on Tinder or relationships. Some people just might be too busy with their own personal lives to commit enough time into building a relationship.

So, someone with a “something casual” stance might just be looking for people to chat with (or hook up with) and nothing more. If they do free up some of their time, you might notice interest towards something more serious.

ALSO READ: 65 Best Tinder Bio Examples for Serious Relationships in 2024

They Don’t Have Any Expectations

“Something casual” can also be a simpler way of saying, “I don’t have any expectations from online dating, anything can happen.”

In other words, this person is not limiting themselves in any way. If they find a suitable partner, they might consider a relationship. If they find an FWB, they’re fine with that too.

They Don’t Want To Be Emotional Support For Others

For some, “something casual” can mean that they’re open to anything, but they’re looking to take things slow and avoid becoming someone’s emotional crutch.

With these various definitions in mind, let’s have a look at what you can say or do when people say they’re only looking for something casual.

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What to Do When People Say That They’re Only Looking for Something Casual?

So, what should you reply with when you’re met with a “something casual” type of person on Tinder?

Here are some steps to guide you to the right answer:

1. Respect Their Choice

If you’re texting with someone and they hit you with an “I’m just looking for something casual”, your first step should be to acknowledge their choice and respect it.

Example: I get it. I’ve been/I am in such a situation as well.

2. Try Probing For The Reasoning Behind Their Choice

When “something casual” comes into the conversation, you definitely shouldn’t immediately start asking questions like “Why?” or “Since when?”.

Instead, ask them if they’re comfortable talking about the topic first. If they agree to talk about it, then you can ask them more about their choice to stay “casual”.

3. Explain Your Expectations

If you don’t mind engaging deeper with someone who’s into more casual relationships, you should still tell them about your expectations from your online dating journey.

They might not feel comfortable dating someone who is actively looking for a long-term relationship.

Once both of your boundaries and expectations are on the table, you can then move on to being “casual”.

ALSO CHECK: The 90 Best Rizz Lines To Up Your Game

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FAQs

Can casual relationships lead to something more serious?

Yes. It’s entirely possible for a casual relationship to turn into a real one! Your hookups might be great, but slowly, as you see each other more often, you might find out that your personalities might match as well.

Of course, once you start developing feelings for this person, it’s important to let them know to see if they can reciprocate. You shouldn’t pursue this relationship if they are not interested in anything serious.

What are the signs that a person asking for a casual relationship doesn’t want a serious relationship?

Clear signs that someone isn’t interested in a serious relationship are the following: they don’t like to share much about themselves, no pillow talk, they don’t text you often except when they want to see you, etc.

How do you turn down an offer for a casual relationship?

The best way to turn down a casual relationship offer is by communicating your expectations and plans for the future. Say that you’re not that into casual relationships and that you are looking for a long-term partner.

As long as you’re clear and respectful, they won’t see your answer as offensive.

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Is “Something Casual” in Dating Really a Bad Thing?

No, there’s nothing necessarily wrong with “something casual”. Every person has a unique background, so it’s natural that some want to settle down early while others want to do so a bit later in their life.

Still, something casual can also lead to something serious, so it might be good even for those who are looking for long-term relationships.

However, if you’re trying to avoid casual arrangements, we recommend checking out our blog to find out exactly how you can convey your needs and wants.

It’s a good idea to use your bio as a way to explain your expectations, so consider using our free Profile Writer to build the perfect bio.

We wish you luck in your online dating endeavors and if you feel like you need some extra help, you can always refer to our AI Dating Assistant!