If your crush is waiting several hours to text back, it just might be because they're gearing up to ghost. This doesn't have to be the case — not everyone is a fast texter. It's just a sign to be aware of, so you're prepared.

If you send your crush a funny text or cute meme, and they respond with a simple "LOL", that could be a sign. That's not to say "LOL" is a bad response under all circumstances, it just means your crush wanted to write something quick, and it's worth considering why.

Not everyone is a question-asker, but someone who typically asks a lot of questions might pull back as a sign that they're no longer interested in talking. If you ask your crush a text-question, and they respond without following up to ask about you, that's something to keep in mind if you're wondering whether or not they might ghost.

I've texted guys before and received responses like "I'm good," and "cool." Not everyone likes to text out long responses (some prefer IRL for the real chats), but if you feel like someone is being deliberately vague, it could be a sign they plan on ghosting.

If your crush used to send you five texts in a row and now sends just one, they might be trying to slowly step back. However, they might also just be busy, so be sure to look at other signs as well before you conclude that they're ghosting.

I've seen guys I like post Instagram stories before texting me back, and it drives me crazy. They know I look at their stories, so I always assume they're trying to send a signal, and honestly — sometimes they are. If someone posts on social media before responding to you, they might be losing interest.

Whenever the texting dynamic shifts, it could mean a shift in their feelings. If you used to joke around with your crush over text but they've recently stopped getting silly with you, they might be sending a signal. There's nothing wrong with giving literal replies to texts, but if you know someone has a goofy side that they're now hiding, they may be pulling away.

After a date, it can be normal for someone to send a text saying they had a good time (it's also totally normal not to, or to wait a few days). If your crush has done this in the past and then stops sending follow-ups, it could be because they're planning to ghost.

If you send an open-ended, non-question text to your crush and get no response, that might mean that they don't know what to say. Or it might mean they're looking for a way to end the text interaction, and not having a question to reply to is as good a reason as any.

Remember: These are all just hints that your crush might want to ghost — they're not definite signs. If you're talking to someone, and you think they could be ghosting, it's always OK to ask them directly. Open communication is a good way to ensure that you're on the same page. And if they are ghosting, well, honestly — it's their loss, and you'll find someone better!