At its most simplest form, the definition of cobwebbing can be gleaned from the word itself, per Bolde – it's about dusting off the cobwebs of your old life and relationship. Bumble's relationship expert Dr. Caroline West explained to Stylist that "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 focused on the present." By letting go of what was and what could've been, you're essentially making space for new memories and experiences, Metro noted. 

Coined ahead of Halloween 2022 (via Get Reading), Bumble's dating trend can be especially beneficial for anyone trying to come out from under the weight of the fear, shame, and pain that usually accompanies a bad relationship, Bolde reported. It could improve their emotional health. 

Sexologist and therapist Ness Cooper told Metro that cobwebbing aids us in future relationships as well. You're primed to have a better connection with someone new if you leave old baggage where it belongs. "When cobwebbing happens before a new relationship starts, it means that you go into a new relationship with less conflicts," she offers. So how does one go about jumping on this new dating trend of cobwebbing?