What does cruising mean?
Written by Julien Lenaz, lead developer of cruush.
The definition
Cruising means looking for someone to meet, usually for sex or a casual connection, and usually soon. Queer people have used the word for a long time. It can describe a person on the lookout, a place where people go to meet, or an app.
Where it started
It began in person. People looked for each other in parks, bars and other public spots where someone else might be looking too. A lot of that was about discretion. Being open about who you were could cost you your job, your housing or your safety, so signals were quiet.
What apps changed
Apps took away much of the guessing. You can see who is nearby and say what you want. What did not change is that cruising is local and quick, and that you have to read the other person.
Etiquette
- Be clear about what you want, and take a no as a no.
- Do not send a photo of yourself that the other person did not ask for.
- Respect that some people want to stay private.
- If you are not interested anymore, say so or stop replying politely.
On cruush
cruush shows a map of who is nearby, who is passing through and who is up for meeting now. A cruush tells someone you are interested. If they send one back, it is mutual.
How it differs from dating
Dating usually means getting to know someone over time. Cruising is more immediate. You can still become friends or date someone you meet that way, and plenty of people do, but the starting point is wanting to meet.
The word today
Not everyone uses cruising. Some people say hooking up, some say looking, and some say nothing. The idea behind it, finding people near you who want what you want, is the same either way.