What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flirting
Example
He was flirting with her all night, buying her drinks and complimenting her. [flirting: verb]
Example
She gave him a flirtatious smile and a wink across the room. [flirtatious: adjective]
teasing
Example
He teased her about her love for cats, knowing she was a dog person. [teased: verb]
Example
She playfully teased him about his messy hair, ruffling it up even more. [teasing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teasing is more commonly used than flirting in everyday language. Teasing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while flirting is more specific and usually reserved for romantic or sexual situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flirting and teasing?
While teasing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, flirting can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts, especially in romantic or social settings.