Date Ladder

What is a date ladder?

A person you date to make yourself seem more desirable

A date ladder is someone you date primarily in hopes of attracting someone more desirable. Using an SO in this way can also be referred to as "climbing the dating ladder" - because you are attempting to reach the more attractive mates at the top of the ladder.

For example, if you're really into a girl named Matilda, but you think she's out of your league, you may attempt to use Matlida's friend Jean as a date ladder. In theory, this may lead Matlida to see what she's missing by not dating you. In reality, however, this will likely just make your life more complicated ...

Example

I found out Luke was just using me as a date ladder to get to Claire
In 2021, the phrase date ladder appeared in season three of Succession
In 2021, the phrase date ladder appeared in season three of Succession

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Updated February 17, 2022

Date ladder definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Date ladder" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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