# Giving your number with no intention of replying

> Half of singles have handed over a phone number they never planned to use, and the habit finally has a name.
- Title: Giving your number with no intention of replying | Shortify
- Summary: Half of singles have handed over a phone number they never planned to use, and the habit finally has a name. A clear no in the moment is kinder than a number…
- Keywords: dating, dial-toning, rejection, boundaries, relationships, Giving, number, intention, replying, Psychologies
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/couple/seduction/rencontres/Donner-son-numero-puis-ne-plus-jamais-repondre-ce-comportement-amoureux-de-plus-en-plus-courant-porte-desormais-un-nom-639483
- Author: Laurena Valette
- Published: 2026-09-13T06:02:17+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dating, dial-toning, rejection, boundaries, relationships
## The number that goes nowhere
You swap numbers at a party, feel good about the chat, then let the first message sit unanswered. And the second. Most of us have been on one side of this.
## It has a name now
This is dial-toning, not ghosting. Ghosting comes after a relationship or at least a few exchanges. Dial-toning kills the thing before it starts.
## Nearly half admit it
Hint App surveyed 5,847 people who had dated in the past year. 46% said they had given out their contact details knowing they would probably never follow up.
## Saying no is the hard part
Relationship coach Julie Nguyen told Vice that people do this because they cannot set a limit out loud. Handing over a number feels easier than refusing face to face.
## Most of it is premeditated
57% said postponing rejection beats voicing it, 41% feared an awkward confrontation, and 63% said the decision was made before they even typed the digits.
## Two people, two different nights
One walks away expecting a conversation, the other already knows the answer. 52% of singles say they would rather get a straight no than a polite number and silence.

> 52 % des participants déclarent qu'ils préféreraient recevoir un refus clair
## Key takeaway

A clear no in the moment is kinder than a number that goes silent for days.