The act of ghosting someone isn't necessarily something that is specific to the dating world, but it is something that people have complained about as a negative aspect of modern dating. In an era where people can meet and keep in touch with significant others thousands of miles away, it seems it has now become a thing for someone to go on a first date, or maybe a few dates, with someone, and then suddenly disappear from their social media without a trace. Basically, it's when someone stops talking to someone they're dating, often without warning.

There seem to be mixed feelings on whether or not ghosting is an acceptable course of action. My personal opinion is that it's usually rude to ghost someone you're dating, but not always. It depends on the situation.

For instance, if you've been on a date with someone who is pleasant, polite, and an overall decent person, but you don't see it working out because you simply don't feel that romantic spark, it is always more polite and courteous to simply let that person know that you don't wish to pursue things further.

In the same vein, if you find that you've gone on 4 or 5 dates with someone, and for whatever reason, end up realizing that you don't want to date that person anymore, then you should let them know instead of disappearing from your life.

If you schedule a date with someone new and then don't show because you don't feel like going, without texting or calling them to let them know you won't make it, it is also a no-no. The other person has most likely invested time and effort into meeting up, and deserves the bare minimum of respect in that situation.

Ultimately, I can think of a handful of situations where ghosting someone would be acceptable. That would be in cases where you are genuinely afraid of the person lashing out, or possibly if you've encountered someone that is seriously unpleasant.

For example, if you are on a first date with someone, and they are overall rude, pushing your boundaries, or otherwise making you uncomfortable, then I do not believe they are owed an explanation as to why you don't want to keep going on dates with them.

But overall, it comes to ghosting, it's usually better to not do it, and instead have a civil conversation with the person. As per the golden rule, treat them the way you wish to be treated. Ghosting is the easy way out. Have the hard conversations.