What does 'wyd' mean in texting?

'Wyd' stands for 'what you doing' or 'what are you doing.' It's a casual way to check in and see what someone's up to, often used as a conversation starter on dating apps or with people you're texting.

How do you respond to 'wyd' without being boring?

Instead of just saying 'nothing,' share something specific you're actually doing or make it playful. Examples: 'Just finished a workout, feeling accomplished' or 'Trying to decide between pizza and tacos — critical life decision.'

Is 'wyd' a lazy text or a sign they're interested?

It depends on context. If they regularly send thoughtful messages and occasionally drop a 'wyd,' they're just checking in. If it's always low-effort ('wyd,' 'sup,' 'hey'), they're not putting in much effort.

Should you respond to 'wyd' late at night?

If it's past midnight and you haven't been texting regularly, 'wyd' might be a late-night hookup text. If that's not what you want, it's okay to ignore it or respond the next morning.

How to Respond to 'Wyd' Text: 12 Examples That Actually Work

You get a text: “wyd”

Now what?

It’s one of the most common (and low-effort) texts you’ll get while dating, and how you respond can either move the conversation forward or kill it.

Here’s how to reply to “wyd” in a way that’s engaging, natural, and keeps the vibe going.

What “Wyd” Really Means

“Wyd” stands for “what you doing” — it’s shorthand for “what are you up to right now?”

It’s usually:

A conversation starter when they don’t know what else to say
A check-in to see if you’re free to chat (or hang out)
A low-effort way to gauge your interest

Sometimes it’s genuine. Sometimes it’s lazy. Context matters.

Why “Wyd” Texts Are Tricky

The problem with “wyd” is that it puts the conversational burden on you. They’re not giving you much to work with.

If you just say “nothing,” the conversation dies. If you overshare, you might come off too eager. If you’re too vague, they won’t know how to follow up.

The sweet spot: give them something specific enough to respond to, but keep it light.

12 Ways to Respond to “Wyd”

If You’re Actually Doing Something

1. “Just got back from a run — endorphins are real” Shows you’re active, gives them something to ask about.

2. “Trying to decide between pizza and tacos. This is a serious life decision.” Playful, gives them an easy follow-up (“Obviously tacos”).

3. “Making dinner and pretending I’m on a cooking show” Funny, relatable, easy to engage with.

4. “Rewatching [show] for the third time because I have no self-control” If they’ve seen it, instant connection. If not, they’ll ask about it.

5. “Just finished work, now I’m recovering with [insert activity]” Sets the scene, gives them context for your day.

If You’re Not Doing Much

6. “Absolutely nothing productive and I’m okay with that. You?” Honest, flips it back to them, keeps it light.

7. “Scrolling mindlessly. Living my best life. 😂” Self-aware, relatable, uses humor.

8. “Thinking about what I should be doing instead of lying on the couch” Relatable, opens the door for them to suggest something.

9. “Not much — just finished [thing]. What about you?” Simple, reciprocates the question.

If You Want to Flirt

10. “Wishing you were here to help me decide what to watch” Bold, flirty, signals interest.

11. “Just got out of the shower. You?” Suggestive without being too forward (use your judgment on this one).

12. “Thinking about grabbing drinks later. Know any good spots?” Opens the door to making plans without being pushy.

When NOT to Respond Right Away

Late-Night “Wyd” (After Midnight)

If it’s late and you haven’t been texting consistently, “wyd” often translates to “are you free to come over?”

If that’s not what you want:

Ignore it and reply in the morning (“Sorry, was already asleep!”)
Or reply the next day with something that doesn’t acknowledge the late timing

If They Always Text “Wyd”

If every conversation starts with “wyd,” “sup,” or “hey,” they’re not putting in effort.

You’re not obligated to carry the conversation every time. If it’s a pattern, let them know: “I feel like we always start with ‘wyd’ — tell me something more interesting than what I’m doing right now 😂”

This either prompts them to step it up or shows you they’re not willing to.

How to Turn “Wyd” Into an Actual Conversation

The goal isn’t just to respond — it’s to move the conversation somewhere more engaging.

Bad response: Them: “wyd” You: “nothing” Them: “cool” [conversation dies]

Better response: Them: “wyd” You: “Just finished a workout. Feel like I could run through a wall or pass out — it’s a toss-up. You?” Them: “Haha what kind of workout?” [conversation continues]

The formula:

Answer the question with something specific
Add a detail or playful comment
Flip it back to them

Context Clues: Is “Wyd” a Good or Bad Sign?

Good Sign

They follow up with real questions
It’s part of a longer pattern of texting
They’re checking in because you haven’t talked in a bit
They suggest making plans after you answer

Bad Sign

It’s the only type of message they send
It’s always late at night
They never respond with substance
They disappear for days and then drop a “wyd” out of nowhere

The Bottom Line

“Wyd” doesn’t have to be a conversation killer. It’s what you do with it that matters.

Give them something to work with. Keep it light. If they’re genuinely interested, they’ll engage. If they’re not, no amount of effort on your part will fix that.

Answer, flip it back, and see if they step up.