This week, I and fellow editors of Vows and Modern Love published “Terms of Endearment,” a special project on language and love. In it, we explore why some husbands choose to take their wives’ last names, and how the language of therapy has infiltrated dating. We look at how couples who speak different languages express love, and what it is like to lack the vocabulary for a particular kind of loss.

We share some of our favorite nicknames people have for their loved ones, and offer a glossary of new dating terms, such as “cookie-jarring” and “cobwebbing.” Do you know what “breadcrumbing” is, or what it means to have “rizz?” Consider taking our quiz.

We want to hear your stories.
Here’s how to submit a Modern Love essay or an Unhitched column. Don’t feel like writing more than two tweets, an Instagram caption or a Facebook post? Consider submitting to Tiny Love Stories, which are no more than 100 words.