# orbiting

/ˈɔɹbətɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈɔːbɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/orbiting
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. moving around a planet

verb · CEFR B2

moving in a curved path around a planet, star, or moon.

For teachers: moving in an elliptical or circular path around a celestial body or point of mass.

- The satellite is currently orbiting the Earth to collect weather data.
- The spacecraft spent three years orbiting the gas giant, capturing high-resolution imagery of its turbulent atmosphere and rings.

Usage: Usually functions as the present participle or gerund of the verb 'orbit'.

### 2. social media behavior

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

staying connected to an ex-partner on social media by watching their stories or liking posts without actually talking to them.

For teachers: The practice of maintaining a passive digital presence in a former partner's life by interacting with their social media content after direct communication has ceased.

- I realized he was orbiting when he liked my photo even though we haven't spoken in months.
- Psychologists suggest that orbiting can be more distressing than ghosting, as the constant digital reminders prevent individuals from achieving emotional closure.

Teaching tip: This is a modern neologism; learners should use it only in casual contexts regarding dating and social media.

## Examples

- He is still orbiting my Instagram stories every day.
- Even though they broke up months ago, she noticed he was still orbiting her by liking every photo she posted.
- Digital stalking has evolved into more subtle forms like orbiting, where one party maintains a persistent but silent presence in the other's peripheral social media feed, preventing a clean emotional break.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.