Internet
pocketing
What does pocketing mean?
Describes the state of being the hidden partner.
"Being pocketed messes with your head, you start questioning if you're real to them."
Origin
From the image of keeping something hidden in your pocket. Gained traction through dating articles around 2019 and spread on TikTok relationship content.
Frequently asked questions
What does pocketing mean in a relationship?
It means your partner keeps you hidden from their friends, family, and social media, treating the relationship like a secret they tuck away.
Is pocketing always a red flag?
Early on it can just be privacy, but if it goes on for months with no introductions or acknowledgment, it usually signals they aren't serious or are hiding something.
What's the difference between pocketing and stashing?
They're nearly identical and often used interchangeably; both mean hiding a partner from your wider life.
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