Sudden and complete radio silence - The most obvious sign of ghosting is when the other person abruptly stops responding to your messages, calls, or texts without any explanation.
Seen but not replied - If you can see they've read your messages but refuse to respond, that's a strong indication they've ghosted you.
No activity on their profile - If the person's online dating profile suddenly goes dormant with no new activity, it likely means they've disappeared.
Blocked on all channels - When someone ghosts, they may block you on the dating app, social media, and any other way you had of contacting them.
Mutual friends disappear too - In some cases, the ghoster may also cut ties with any mutual friends or connections you had, further isolating you.
Ghosting happens early on - Ghosting is most common in the initial stages of dating, often before any real emotional investment has developed.
It's not about you - Experts say ghosting usually reflects more on the ghoster's own issues, like avoidance or fear of conflict, rather than a judgment on you.
Women are slightly more likely to be ghosted - Studies show women report being ghosted slightly more often than men in online dating.
Anxious attachment styles are linked to ghosting - People with a tendency towards anxious attachment are more prone to ghosting others.
Ghosting can damage self-esteem - Being ghosted, even by a stranger, can lead to feelings of rejection and low self-worth.
Coping strategies include self-care and closure - Experts advise moving on, avoiding double-texting, and finding your own sense of closure.
Ghosting is a growing problem - With the rise of online dating, ghosting has become an increasingly widespread and troubling phenomenon.
It's not just for romantic relationships - The term "ghosting" has expanded beyond dating to include cutting off contact with friends, family, or even public figures.
Reasons for ghosting vary - Ghosts may disappear due to fear, avoidance, apathy, or simply meeting someone else they prefer.
Ghosting may be a form of emotional abuse - Experts view repeated ghosting as a toxic behavior that can be psychologically harmful.
There's no single "right" way to end a relationship - While ghosting is problematic, some situations may warrant a less confrontational exit.
Ghosting can happen at any stage - From the initial message exchange to months into a relationship, no one is immune to the risk of being ghosted.
Resilience is key - Learning to cope with ghosting and not take it personally is important for maintaining self-esteem and moving forward.