verb Internet Slang

Orbiting

/ˈɔːrbɪtɪŋ/ · verb · slang

When someone ghosts your texts but keeps watching your stories and liking your posts.

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Definitions

1

Sometimes flipped to describe what you do on purpose to keep an option warm without committing to a conversation.

“I'm not texting her back but I'm orbiting so she doesn't fully forget me.”
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2

Used more loosely for any low-effort presence someone keeps in your online life after a breakup or fade-out, just enough to remind you they exist.

“My ex is still orbiting me eight months later, liking a pic here and there.”
by community
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3

The act of cutting off real conversation with someone while still hovering around their social media, watching every story and liking posts so you stay on their radar without actually engaging.

“He hasn't replied in two weeks but he's first to view every story. Classic orbiting.”
by community
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Orbiting In A Sentence

Why is he orbiting my whole feed but can't send one text back?
Pretty sure I'm being orbited, she watches everything and says nothing.
Block him properly, the orbiting is doing your head in.

Origin & Usage

Coined around 2018 by writer Anna Iovine for the dating site MEL, describing how someone stays 'in your orbit' on social media after going quiet. Spread fast through dating think-pieces and TikTok.

Variants OrbitOrbiterBeing Orbited
Tags #gen-z#dating#internet#ghosting#social-media

People Also Ask

What does orbiting mean on TikTok?

On TikTok it means someone stopped talking to you but still watches your stories and likes your posts to stay in your peripheral vision. It's seen as a mind-game move.

Is orbiting the same as ghosting?

No. Ghosting is total disappearance, while orbiting is a ghost who still lurks your socials. It's arguably more confusing because they go quiet but won't fully leave.

Why do people orbit?

Usually to keep you as a backup option or to soothe their own guilt without committing to a real conversation. Sometimes it's just nosiness.

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