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.