Orbiting
Published Dec 2025 · Last updated Feb 2026
Orbiting is a dating trend where a person cuts off direct communication (ghosting) but continues to engage with the former partner's content on social media — viewing stories, liking posts, or leaving comments. The term was coined by Anna Iovine in 2018. Orbiting keeps the 'orbiter' in the victim's awareness, preventing full closure. It signals 'I'm still here, but I don't want to talk to you.' Psychologically, it may be a way for the orbiter to keep a door open ('backburner') or satisfy curiosity without vulnerability. For the person being orbited, it creates confusion ('They watch every story, do they miss me?') and activates the attachment system, making it harder to move on.
Common Questions
What is Orbiting?
Orbiting is a dating trend where a person cuts off direct communication (ghosting) but continues to engage with the former partner's content on social media — viewing stories, liking posts, or leaving comments. The term was coined by Anna Iovine in 2018. Orbiting keeps the 'orbiter' in the victim's awareness, preventing full closure. It signals 'I'm still here, but I don't want to talk to you.' Psychologically, it may be a way for the orbiter to keep a door open ('backburner') or satisfy curiosity without vulnerability. For the person being orbited, it creates confusion ('They watch every story, do they miss me?') and activates the attachment system, making it harder to move on.
Why does my ex still watch my stories?
Responding to orbiting requires clear communication about boundaries. Lukacs (2021) describes orbiting as a form of digital ambiguity — maintaining passive presence through likes and views while avoiding real engagement. If you want to address it directly, a clean, boundaried message works better than silence or emotional confrontation. Lovulative's Text Script Vault ($24) includes closure and boundary scripts that help you name the behavior and state your needs without over-explaining or seeming desperate.
Orbiting is not interest; it's surveillance. Use the 'Closure' scripts to set a mental boundary, then block access to your peace.
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