Ah yes, the sneaky link. An age-old college rendezvous enjoyed (and regretted) by many. Whether they be toxic, spontaneous or just good old fun, the sneaky link exists in a gray area that can be confusing to navigate, especially on your college campus. So, what are the rules of sneaky linkage and are there even any? To link or not to link, that is the question. VALLEY’s here to walk you through the art of the sneaky link.
What is a Sneaky Link?
Urbandictionary.com provides a variety of definitions for the sneaky link including but not limited to: “When you and another person are f***ing but don’t want anyone to know about it,” “A term most popular in Gen Z and onwards, ‘sneaky link’ is a combination of the verb to link (which means to meet up/hang out) and sneaky (which means to be discreet)” and “Hanging out with someone and making out but on the low. You do not tell anyone and it doesn’t mean anything, no feelings or strings attached, just for the fun of it. Me and my sneaky link aren’t talking or anything like that.”
When did casual sex become so nuanced? But to sum it up, a sneaky link is low-key, no feelings, late night “you up” text, “blank” is typing, hook-up. It can range from a spontaneous one-night stand to a consistent and dependable contact or short-lived fling, but most importantly, it should be no feelings and fun.
Your Place or Mine?
There are pros and cons to both bringing someone back to your place and going to theirs. VALLEY recommends going back to your own place because of the comfort and control it provides, though their place can bring an air of spontaneity, an easy escape and possibly location convenience.
If you do take them back to your place, VALLEY encourages you to utilize the classic couch test. The couch test is when the individual you invited over must first face your roommates and hangout on the couch before advancing to your bedroom.
Sneaky Link Vs. Situationship
While a situationship may begin as a sneaky link, they have distinct differences and playing fields. Urbandictionary.com provides the following definitions for a situationship: “Less than a relationship, but more than a booty call, a situationship refers to a romantic relationship that is, and will remain, undefined,” “A relationship that has no label on it … like a friendship but more than a friendship but not quite a relationship,” and our personal favorite, “When one or two motherf***ers take part in a relationship, but out of fear of making things serious or messy, do not label it, leading to said relationship, ironically, becoming more serious and messier.”
Basically if you’re confused on whether what you’re engaging in is a sneaky link or a situationship, it’s a situationship. The point of the sneaky link is that there is no confusion.
At the end of the day (literally) whether you want to partake in sneaky linkage or follow these silly rules is completely up to you! Navigating your sex life in college is weird. Do your thing and be yourself! VALLEY doesn’t judge.
Let us know your thoughts (or horror stories) about the college sneaky link @VALLEYmag on X!
Related
Your Sex Life’s Secret Handbook
The Celibate Slut
Just Friends? Penn State Edition
