Podcast: Kittenfishing vs. Puffer-Fishing vs. Catfishing — The Three Types of Liars on Dating Apps
I had no idea kittenfishing and puffer-fishing were even terms. Catfishing I knew. But these two? Nobody talks about them — and they're way more common than you think.
I've been navigating dating apps for a while and had no idea kittenfishing and puffer-fishing were even terms. Catfishing I knew. But these two? Nobody talks about them — and they're way more common than most people realize.
In this episode I break down all three: what each one actually means, how they differ, and how to spot them before you're already emotionally invested.
Listen on Spotify
What We Cover
- Catfishing — The one everyone knows. Completely fake identity, stolen photos, fabricated life. The most dangerous of the three.
- Kittenfishing — The one nobody names but everyone has experienced. Real person, real name — but the profile doesn't match reality. Old photos, inflated height, a job title that sounds more impressive than it is. Coined by Hinge. More common than catfishing by far.
- Puffer-fishing — The sneakiest one. Real person, real profile — but they inflate their entire personality during the chase and deflate once you're invested. This is the one that leaves people confused and hurt without being able to name why.
The Full Written Breakdown
If you want the side-by-side comparison, the signs to watch for, and what each behavior says about the person doing it — the full blog post is here:
Kittenfishing vs. Puffer-Fishing vs. Catfishing: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
Check Someone's Profile Before the First Date
Puffer-fishing shows up over time — you can't always catch it early. But kittenfishing leaves traces in a profile. If something feels off before you've even met, ProfileFlags scans dating profiles and flags the patterns that are easy to miss. One scan, $19.99, no subscription.
