Now by definition, catfishing involves using a fake profile with pictures, names, and other information that is not your own with the intent to deceive and mislead a victim into a romantic relationship, typically online, or even fraud.

While not entirely the same, I think that not being completely honest about yourself when it comes to your dating profile is essentially the same concept. You're lying by omission to deceive others into giving you attention, and sometimes you're just straight up lying.

I think it's important to inform people if you're HIV or trans from the very beginning. I think it's important to have pictures that show what you currently look like. It's great that you were a twink in 2016, but why aren't you showing me that you're a bear now until I show up at your doorstep? Why does your profile say you're 35 but your ID says you're 44? And don't even get me started on anonymous profiles.

I finally understand why so many guys have "no pic, no chat" in their profiles and why they ask for Snapchat or FaceTime confirmation. It's so awkward talking with someone anonymous, having a nice conversation, and then finding out you're not into them when pics are sent. Which is why I don't anymore. If you're anonymous, the first thing I ask now is for pictures and stats and if you can't provide that, then there's no reason for me to waste my time.

So yeah, in my opinion, if you're not being entirely truthful, you're essentially catfishing people.