Cushioning
Cushioning is staying in a committed relationship while quietly keeping one or more romantic "cushions" on the side — flirty texts, kept-warm backups — as a safety net in case the main relationship ends.
Full definition of Cushioning →:: COMPARE ::
CushioningvsBenching
The short answer
A cushioner is already partnered and keeps side options as a breakup safety net. A bencher isn't dating the benched person at all — they're keeping a reserve on standby for possible future call-up.
Side by side
| Aspect | Cushioning | Benching |
|---|---|---|
| Their status | In a relationship | Single / dating around |
| The other person | A backup cushion | A reserve on the bench |
| Purpose | Soften a breakup | Keep an option warm |
| Read as | Emotional cheating | Leading on |
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 →