‘DTN’ meaning: What does the acronym stand for in the dating world?

A new acronym is taking over TikTok. Here’s everything you need to know about the meaning of “DTN” so that the next time you see it on your FYP, you’ll actually know what it means. 

You may have seen the three letters as a hashtag or in video captions by now. In fact, the #DTN hashtag on TikTok currently has over 235 million views, while the related hashtag #DTN4L has over 95 million. 

“DTN” meaning: What is it? 

According to Urban Dictionary, the acronym DTN stands for “Don’t Trust No One.” You may also see it written as DTN4L, which means “Don’t Trust No One For Life.” The acronyms have the same meaning across TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram

Why do people say “DTN” on social media? 

The acronym is typically used when people discuss those who have wronged or betrayed them in funny and/or serious ways. It is most commonly used in Black online communities among women fed up with dating the wrong men. 

TikToker @nyckizzy gave New York City women five tips on how to remain DTN despite the temptation. 

“When you hack your boyfriend phone through your laptop and he telling girls I’m his cousin,” @veyoncelee said in a joke video.

@prettyflackash

like who tf do u think u r there can only be ONE of us shawty 🤥 #4u #fyp #xyzbca #dtn #justlikeme

♬ Just Like Me (feat. Young Thug) – A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

“When ur DTN but he’s DTB,” @prettyflackash wrote in a caption

“When I really thought cuz he was posting me that he wouldn’t cheat,” @ad0re.nat wrote in a post

More from In The Know:

Listen to the latest episode of our pop culture podcast, We Should Talk: