Cookie Jarring
Cookie jarring is keeping someone as a reserve romantic option — giving them just enough attention to stay interested — while pursuing the person you actually want.
Full definition of Cookie Jarring →:: COMPARE ::
Cookie jarringvsBenching
The short answer
Near-synonyms in practice, and most people use them interchangeably. Benching emphasises being sidelined and kept ready for call-up; cookie jarring emphasises being stored as a spare while someone specific is pursued.
Side by side
| Aspect | Cookie jarring | Benching |
|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Stored as a spare | Kept on the sidelines |
| Is there a preferred person? | Yes, specifically | Not necessarily |
| Newer term | ~2019 | Mid-2010s |
| In practice | Interchangeable | Interchangeable |
What each one means
Benching
Benching is keeping someone on the sidelines as a low-priority option — enough texts, likes and vague plans to keep them interested, but never advancing to a real relationship, while you keep other prospects in play. Outside dating, benching is the plainer thing the slang borrows from: pulling someone out of active play on a team.
Full definition of Benching →