Benching is when you start dating someone you think is nice and who has potential, but
you're not crazy about them.
You don't know wether to keep dating them, or dump them and move on to
the next one. This is where benching happens; instead of going for either of the above polarized options, you put your date in your mental 'maybe' folder and 'bench them' so you date around to see what else is out there.
Sarah: How's your dating life going, Jill, weren't you seeing that guy Jack?
Jill: Yeah I am, sort of. He's just ok, so
I've been benching him and dating around more.
John: Hey Jack, how are things
going with that girl Jill you're dating?
Jack: Idk man, I know she's seeing other guys, and I think
I've been benched.