Decoded: Ghosting

Hollywood's hottest "it" couple Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were madly in love until all of a sudden -- poof -- it was over. Theron went completely AWOL. No phone call goodbye, no "good riddance" text, not even the classic, "it's not you, it's me" line.

Sound familiar?

While many are stunned by Theron's method of cutting ties with her longtime flame, it's not all too uncommon -- she was simply "ghosting."

The term, which has recently gained popularity, is used when a person suddenly ceases all communication with someone he or she is dating with the hope their significant other will get the hint they no longer wish to be in the relationship. Many attempt to justify "ghosting" as a way to end said relationship without hurting the "ghostee." With the advent of digital technology, "ghosting" has become increasingly common. However, as is the case with Theron and Penn, it just leaves confusion and many calls and texts unanswered.

Here are a few ways people have used the term on social media: