Bumble warns about 'polter-ghosts' — aka date flakes

It's spooky season — and what's spookier than ghosting? Bumble has the answer: "polter-ghosting."

Polter-ghosting refers to being stood up for an IRL date. So while ghosters leave you hanging while chatting, polter-ghosts take it a step further and bail on a meetup without telling you.

Recently, Bumble cracked down on flakes; now, standing up a date without letting them know falls under the dating app's Bullying and Abusive Conduct. Users can report this behavior on the app, and if someone is reported multiple times, they may be banned.

Based on an international survey of over 8,600 adult consumers, 25 percent of people want to say goodbye to ghosts, and are no longer willing to date someone who leaves them on "read" (let alone stands them up).

"The act of 'Polter-ghosting,' or intentionally not showing up for a planned date, is not okay. But fortunately for those using dating apps, Bumble is ahead of the curve and already putting a stop to it with its updated Community Guidelines," said Bumble's sex and relationship expert Dr. Caroline West. "Now, if someone consistently doesn’t show up for dates, they risk being reported and banned from the app."

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West has some Halloween-themed advice for Bumble singles:

• "Channel your own energy": Meaning, focus on yourself, and if someone (polter-)ghosts, know that says more about them than you.

• "Every trick needs a treat": Whether you're polter-ghosted at a bar, restaurant, or in-costume, don't let them stop you from enjoying yourself. If someone tricks you, treat yourself.

• "Get polter-ghost busting": West encourages users to report bad behavior you experience. You can get your revenge, and help protect others from flakes.

"Being stood up on a date can really knock someone's confidence in a big way," West said. "It's a horrible feeling that no one should have to experience."