Cobwebbing dating trend encourages you to clear out old flames

We're in the midst of a high-stakes time in dating. It's cuffing season, when people scour dating apps to find a partner for the colder months (at least in the northern hemisphere). This year we also have to contend with winter coating, a trend of people reaching out to exes in the hopes of putting on an old "coat" (getting back together) for the holidays.

That's not the only trend going on. On the opposite side of winter coating is cobwebbing, which comes from the dating app Bumble.

Cobwebbing is dusting off the "cobwebs" — or old flames — so you can start fresh with someone new. As explained by Bumble's sex and relationship expert Dr. Caroline West, "By actively 'cobwebbing' your environment of the past, you can then move forward feeling more empowered, confident and open to meeting someone new."

West, a Ph.D. in sexuality studies, added, "Holding on to past relationships, whether that be phone numbers, messages, or even an old t-shirt, can hold you back when it comes to dating as you're not mentally focussed on the present."

As difficult as it may be to release your exes, it may be just what you need in order to move on. In addition to cuffing season, it's also spooky season — and it's time for those old ghosts to leave.