What is roaching? You've likely heard the term "roaching" said by people on social media or at parties, but not a lot of folks actually know what it means. It's not a new concept, but a label has finally been given to people who date a lot of people without telling any of the people they're dating about it.

Maybe you've started dating someone that you really click with, only to discover that they're actually dating a couple of people. You might have been horrified by this discovery, and the person you're dating could've casually said that you never had a conversation about exclusivity, and put the blame on you.

While this lifestyle existed long before the internet, the number of people roaching has increased monumentally since dating apps and matchmaking websites became popular. While many wouldn't consider it "cheating," roaching is deception by omission. If one person believes that the relationship they're in is monogamous, and the other behaves as if they're in a monogamous relationship but is dating other people - then you've got a case of roaching on your hands. Whether you're dating someone your own age, someone much older, or someone much younger - you could be getting roached.

What separates roaching from cheating, is that if you catch someone flirting or dating with one or two people - just like a cockroach - there's probably plenty of other ones you don't know about. In this article we break down the top signs your girlfriend or boyfriend is roach-infested and what to do if you find yourself with the problem! Keep reading "What is Roaching?" Your Guide To The New Dating Trend to discover the ins and outs of roaching.

You're probably wondering why do people roach instead of being straight-forward. The truth is people roach and date around for dozens of reasons. The most important thing to remember, if you're a victim of roaching, is that it's not your fault and you're not to blame. According to our dating experts at 'Lonely Wife Hookups' these are the four most common reasons people hide roaches behind their partner's back:

1. The clueless roacher: If the person you're dating falls under the first category, they're probably not actively hiding their dating from you. They're likely hoping you don't bring it up, and that their dating life will sort itself out before they have to make a decision about who they want to be with exclusively. At the very worst, this type of roacher doesn't want to be monogamous but doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Remember, the person you're hooking up with may not have intentionally set out to acquire a roach problem. Your hookup could've been playing the odds and struck up casual romances with a few people. This type of roaching is usually corrected by merely communicating each other's needs. Often you're simply not on the same page and it's not for a nefarious reason. This type of roacher could genuinely believe that you're dating other people, too. If you suspect your partner or lover is seeing other people, address it as soon as you can.

2. This roacher wants to have their cake and eat it - all over town: If your hookup wants to have their cake and eat it, too - then they're not likely to change their ways. You're not the first person they've roached, and you won't be the last. This is blatant and active cheating. The reason it gets the term "roaching" instead of simply cheating - is because they're not just cheating with one person - they're cheating all over town and keeping everyone in the dark.

Why do they want to date lots of people? They want to date the party animal for wild sex, they want the mature partner to enjoy fancy dinners with, and they want the partner who'll sit on the couch with them watching movies when they're tired from all of the dating they do! They want it all: All sizes; ethnicities; ages; and kinks. This kind of roaching can extend beyond sex to emotional relationships, online flirtations, and keeping old lovers hanging on as a backup. One person will never be enough for them. If you're in a relationship with one of these people, unless you're amenable to playing second fiddle to roaches, it's best to move on.

3. This roacher is looking for something better: If your partner is looking for someone better to date, they view you as a seat-warmer. They're secretly going on dates until they find the person who they feel is worth committing to - but they'd like to get some action in the meantime. This has nothing to do with you, and everything to do with them. Often these types of roachers have unrealistic standards and expectations about the people they date. If you find yourself with a hookup who is basically waiting for something else to come along, consider breaking it off. You're the one who can do better.

4. Even worse than the previous three, is the roacher who gets off on being deceptive: They aren't fueled by keeping their options open or dating different kinds of people. These roachers enjoy blatantly cheating and putting their partners through psychological trauma. Whereas other roachers will usually spread the web of roaching away from their partners to avoid overlap, this kind of person will even try having secret relationships with their partner's friends, colleagues, and peers. They will often employ gaslighting techniques to trick their partner into doubting what they see, hear, and feel. If the roacher is blatantly caught in lie or caught in the act of cheating, they will try and convince you it's in your head. But, as the adage goes - where there's one, there's more. If you find yourself in one of these kinds of relationships, get the heck out while you still can!

If you're getting the sinking suspicion you might be the victim of roaching keep reading and don't stress out too much.

This is a pretty scary concept, especially if you're reading about it for the first time. If you're not sure whether you're in a trusting relationship or not, read about the top signs you're being roached:

1. Your partner is always on their phone - and it's not for work.

If your partner is always texting and always on social media, but they're not really that active online otherwise - there's a strong probability you've got a roach problem. Even if you think your partner isn't actively out there roaching, if they're putting out feelers and carrying on emotional and sexually charged relationships through the internet, it won't be long until it becomes physical. A big tip-off is if they still have dating apps on their phone. If you can subtly sneak glances when they're checking their phone, it might be to your benefit.

2. Your partner never leaves their phone unattended, and always signs out of their computer when you're around. While your partner might have trust issues with you - the more likely answer as to why they take their phone with them everywhere is because they're afraid you'll find out they're roaching.

3. Your partner avoids having "the talk" with you. If you've never had "the talk" with your new significant other or lover, there's a chance you're being roached. If you've brought up whether or not you're exclusive and they dance around the subject without giving you a straight response, there's a strong possibility it's because you're not the only person that they're dating and hooking up with. Press the issue if it's important to you, and find out if you're the only one they're seeing.

4. You've been dating for a couple of months and you've never met any of their friends. Most roaches don't have the guts to parade their various girlfriends or boyfriends around on a regular basis. The more people they're dating and the more people who know about it, the more likely they are to get caught. If your significant other takes you out regularly with their friends, your chances of being roached are lower. Although, if they socialize with people who tend to have roaching habits that rule might not apply!

5. If you're still in the first couple of months of dating, but they only have time to see you once a week, you could be getting roached. If it feels like your partner only has time for you when they're free, and you can like it or lump it - it's probably because you're not the only person they're seeing, and you're probably not their priority. If you're constantly getting ditched at the last minute for "a work thing," they could be dropping you to hook up with someone else.

No one wants to be roached, even if you're not looking for a long-term relationship. Most of us would like to keep things transparent and honest, even if it's just with a casual hookup. While you can't avoid being roached completely, if the person you're seeing is a semi-decent person these tips should help decrease your chances of being roached:

1. Communicate: Communication from the get-go is super important if you want to avoid being roached. Most roaches rely on the "don't ask, don't tell" principle to get away with a lot of their deception. If you want to be exclusive, then tell them. When in doubt, pay attention to body language. If they won't make eye contact with you, or point their body away from you - it could mean they're being deceptive.

2. Stop assuming: Don't assume that your partner is only with you because they seem to adore you when you're together. Many pro roaches get away with it for so long because they're good at maintaining that special feeling with each partner. If you don't want to share those feelings with other people, then be sure to ask them if you're exclusive.

3. State your intentions:Don't wait until you're four months into a relationship to start vocalizing what your intentions are. If you've been dating for a month, let the person know if you like them. If you're looking for something long-term, find out if they share those same goals. If stating how you feel and what you're looking for makes them bail, you just dodged a wall full of roaches!

We hope this helped illuminate what roaching is, and how to avoid being roached.

If you find out you're being roached, what you do is up to you. If you're experiencing some signs of roaching and it's only a couple months into the relationship, sometimes having a talk will set things straight. If you find out you're being roached and the person wants to continue dating other people, it's up to you to decide whether or not you want to remain with them. No one is worth sacrificing your values or self-esteem, and there are plenty more fish (not roaches!) in the sea to choose from. If you're not sure if breaking up is the right move, try going on some dates yourself. Meeting people for hookups or relationships is really easy on dating sites.

If you're an older woman who's fallen victim to roaching, read The 'How To Get Your Groove Back Like Stella Did' Guide. The guide is full of great tips for getting your confidence back and moving on. If you're still not sure whether or not your significant other is serious about you, try reading Does Your Hookup Want More From You? 6 Signs They Do.