There’s so many different opinions about texting these days, it can be hard to know if you’re doing it right, doing it too much, or doing it too little.

Thoughts like “how much should I text someone that I like if we just met?” and “how quickly should I respond to a text?” have probably crossed your mind.

Here we talk a little bit about these “rules” for texting (even though there are really are no rules these days!) and get you up to speed on some abbreviations you’ll see often.

How many texts does the average person send a Day 2021?

If the number on your texting app is starting to look more and more like the number on your scale, you’re not alone.

In 2020 there were 2.1 trillion text messages sent (yes, we said trillion). And that number was 52 billion more than in 2019!

That’s a lot of texting and the average person sends 13 texts on their cell phone per day.

As you can imagine, this number skews much higher in younger demographics.

Why is texting better than calling?

There’s a reason why we send so many texts -for many things it can be better than calling.

And those of us under 50 are even more less likely to pick up the phone and actually call someone or to answer our phones when they ring.

As for reasons why texting is better than calling, there are many – more privacy, busy schedules, afraid of verbal confrontation, needing an instant response, etc.

Whatever the reason, today’s younger generation seem to all agree that texting is better.

Is texting more popular than calling?

If you’re looking at the response rate, you can definitely see that texting is more popular than calling, at least if you’re looking for a reply.

Text messages have been found to have a 209% higher response rate than other forms of communication like email, phone call, or even Facebook.

Also, the majority of people read their text messages within minutes of receiving them, whereas, it could take days to summon up the energy to dial in and check that voicemail (am I right?!).

Is it better to text or call a girl?

So now we’re back to the question of what’s the best way to communicate with someone in whom you’re interested. Again, there’s no real right or wrong answer.

Both texting and calling have their pros and cons and the reality is that most of the time it’s a generational preference.

Teens and young adults are by nature more receptive to texting (both sending and receiving), so it’s safe to say that no one will bat an eye if you send a text to ask for that date.

Of course, if you can muster up the courage to give her a quick call, it just might work in your favor-she will definitely remember you!

What is a benefit of texting?

We’ve touched upon some of the pros and cons of texting in the previous sections, but I would say that one of the biggest benefits of texting is that it allows you time to think about the message that you are sending.

You’ll be less likely to stammer awkwardly or have those embarrassing silences.

You can let your personality shine through without the pressure of having to do it on the spot.

Now that you’ve given all this stuff some thought, we know that you are picking up the phone to text that certain someone.

But so you don’t look like a rookie, or accidentally say something you wish you hadn’t (I didn’t know it meant that!?), here are 20 popular texting acronyms and abbreviations that will make you confident enough to hit “send.”

Popular TikTok and Snapchat terms to know

What does rizz mean

Rizz means one’s ability to seduce a potential (usually female) love interest.

What does goated mean

Goated means being or considered the greatest of all time.

What does ttm mean in text?

Say “ttm” to indicate that you want someone to chat with you or tell you something.

It stands for “talk to me.”

What does ty mean in text?

This one is easy and straightforward.

It literally is the shortened form of saying “thank you!”

What does otw mean in text?

This acronym is a quick way of saying “on the way” and letting the person you are meeting know that you will be there soon.

What does dws mean in a text?

If someone is “dws,” it means they have a lot on their plate.

I can mean “dealing with Sh*t” or “dealing with stuff.”

What does shd mean in texting?

“Shd” is the shortened version of the word “should.”

For example, “I shd go to bed soon, but I’m not tired.

What does fwh mean in text?

This is a slang term for joking or messing around with a person and typically means “f**k with him/her.”

For example, “I didn’t want to fwh so I didn’t tell her what he said.”

What does hy mean in text?

To show you are definitely in or excited about something, use the acronym “hy.”

It means you are giving the other person a big “hell yeah!”

What does wyf mean in text?

If you’re just getting to know someone via text, you might want to shoot them a “wyf.”

It’s a quick way of asking that person “where you from?”

What does x mean in text?

You definitely want your crush to type “x” in their message!

It is a quick way of saying “kiss” or “kisses.”

What does dtm mean in texting?

If you see “dtm” coming across in a message, you might want to chill out a little with the relationship.

It is a way of saying that you are “doing too much” and usually used in the context of “trying too hard.”

What does fr mean in a text?

“Fr” is a quick way of saying “for real?” and indicating that you have disbelief in what the other is saying or without a question mark, expresses that you agree with what the other texter said.

What does fys mean in text?

If someone says “fys,” you are definitely being insulted.

It is the acronym for “f**k yourself.”

What does ntmu mean in text?

Shoot a “ntmu” in that special someone’s messages the next day after you’ve met.

It stands for “nice to meet you” and will get the conversation going.

What does oml mean in texting?

“OML” stands for “Oh My Lord” and expresses surprise or strong emotion at what was just said.

What does ph mean in text?

“Ph” is a shortened version of saying the word “Phat” and meaning that something is cool, as in “He’s so Phat, I love hanging with him!”

What does smt mean in text?

Use “smt” as the shortened way of saying “something.”

For example, “tell me smt about yourself.”

What does ss mean in text?

The acronym “ss” can stand for “screen shot” or sometimes on social media it stands for “Selfie Sunday.”

Use context to determine which meaning applies.

I hope you now feel a bit more in-the-know with the lingo used in texting.

Now when your crush texts you, you’ll know exactly what to text back!

Have you heard these acronyms used in other ways not listed here? Or do you have any more to add to the list?

Share your thoughts and ideas below in the comments. I love to hear from my readers!

Until next time…

Cheers Lovelies!