WatchWord · Ages 11-20 · In use
e-dating
Dating someone only online, through games, social media or messages, often someone you've never met in person.
She has an online boyfriend from a game server, they've never met.
For parents and educators
Many online relationships are between real teens of similar age. The risk is that you can't confirm who the person is, and adults posing as teens use exactly this route. Watch for secrecy, gifts, pressure for photos, or pushing to move to a private app.
If you’re worried
If you suspect the person is older than they say, or is asking for photos or secrecy, save the messages and report to Cybertip.ca. Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868.
Where it came from
Grew with online gaming and Discord communities.
Also heard as
online boyfriend, online girlfriend, e-girlfriend, e-boyfriend
Sources