What does FWB mean on social media, messaging and dating apps?

The word “FWB” has been popping up a lot on social media, in text messages and especially on dating apps lately, but what does the word really mean? Don’t worry – we’ve put together a complete guide to what it means, no matter what app it’s on. This article also tells you how to use “FWB” in your messages so you can join the conversation!

Table of Contents

What does FWB mean on social media?

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“FWB” is an abbreviation of the English word “friends with benefits” on social networking platforms. “Friends with benefits” describes a situation in which two friends or acquaintances have a sexual relationship but there is no emotional attachment or romantic love. This phrase is often used by teenagers and young adults. ^{[1] X Research Source}

“I’m just looking for fwb 😜 not a serious relationship.”
“Attention!! I am now accepting applications for the position of fwb haha! ”
“FWB” means this across all social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

What does FWB mean in messages?

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“FWB” also means “friends with benefits” in the message. In this context, perhaps someone is talking about a particular person or relationship in the conversation. Maybe they’re having a crush on a friend or chatting about their dating. ^{[2] X Research Source}

“She said she just wanted to be fwb, but I wanted to go further.”
“I’m tired of fwb meetings, I’m ready to find a soul mate!”

What does FWB mean on dating apps?

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On dating apps, “FWB” definitely means “friends with benefits.” It usually appears on a person’s profile to indicate the relationship they want, or in messages between two paired people when they’re talking about what they’re looking for on the app. In this case, the “friends” in “friends with benefits” are strangers.

Person 1: “So what are you looking for here?”
Second person: “I was just looking for a fwb, but I can go further if I meet the right person.”

How to use FWB?

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Use “FWB” to talk about your relationship with someone. Here, “FWB” can refer to a person or relationship when someone asks about your dating. You can use this phrase every time you chat by text or social media.

Person 1: “Are you two dating?”
Second person: “No you two are just fwb.”
The first person: “Who is Tuan?”
Second person: “Oh, he’s my fwb haha”

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Ask someone via text or social media if they want to do “FWB” with you. If you want to start a non-binding physical relationship with someone (or if you’re both already “fun” and you want to have it again), use “FWB” to express what you mean. Usually people understand it just means “friends with benefits.”

Person 1: Hi, last night was great. Shall we meet again, fwb?”
Second person: “Okay, I like it too 😏”

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Tell someone you want a no-strings-attached sexual relationship on a dating app. Put “FWB” on your profile to let prospective matchmakers know what you’re looking for. If you want to wait until after you’ve paired and talked to make a decision, use “FWB” in the message to discuss next steps.

For example, you could record in: Look for only one FWB. Swipe left if you want more!”
Person 1: “I’m not sure if I want a relationship right now, but I’m fine with a fwb relationship.”
Second person: “Oh, that sounds great!”

Related abbreviations

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“NSA” means “no strings attached”. This is another way of saying that you want to have a sexual relationship but don’t have a firm commitment. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

“Come to my house tonight NSA”
“I just want to have fun this summer, I don’t want anything serious!”

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“ONS” means “one night stand”. Use this word when you mean that you only want to have sex with someone once but don’t want to make a habit or form a relationship.

“It’s just ONS!”
“Don’t get your hopes up, he just wants ons!”

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“MBA” means “married but available”. If someone is in an open marriage or wants to have fun with someone other than their spouse, they can use “MBA” to let people know their situation (not to be confused with a Master of Business Administration (Th.s. business administration)!

A dating profile might say: “Just looking for a casual love (mba).”
First person: “Is that cheerful guy with you already married?”
Second person: “Yes, but he said he mba, so…🤷🏽”

Advice

If you are talking out loud, you can say “friends with benefits” instead of pronouncing the word “FWB,” unlike some other abbreviations you might say out loud.

Steps