What's NCMO mean and is it good or bad?

If you’ve been around campus, on dating apps, or scrolling TikTok lately, you might have come across the term “NCMO”. It sounds like a niche sport or a new energy drink, but it actually stands for something very human and very relatable: A Non-Committal Make Out.

Yep. An NCMO is exactly what it sounds like. Two people making out without strings, expectations, or plans to turn it into anything more. Think a sultry pash in the corner at a party, a couch cuddle that stops at the kiss, a “this doesn’t mean anything” smooch when you're both a little bored, curious, or just in the mood for a little harmless affection.

So what’s the deal with NCMOs? Are they just another Gen Z dating trend? Are they risky? Are they emotionally confusing? Are they fun?

NCMO has been a thing for a while

A quick internet search brings up the term NCMO in articles published a good decade ago – interestingly, it seems to have trended in Mormon culture, where (anecdotally) kissing someone is akin to getting engaged, so it makes sense they’d specify no commitment intended.

At its core, an NCMO is a casual, physical interaction that sits somewhere between flirting and full-blown hooking up. It’s usually spontaneous, sometimes fueled by a little liquid courage (we recommend: Don't), and often not intended to lead anywhere. And for a lot of people, it’s just part of the modern dating landscape, especially in college or party settings.

But like any intimate interaction, the meaning of an NCMO depends entirely on the people involved. For some, it’s a fun and freeing way to explore attraction without getting tangled in emotions. For others, it can leave behind a trail of overthinking, confusion, or unexpected feelings. And that’s not a judgment. It’s just how humans work. (We’re complicated.)

Should you be worried about NCMOs?

Not necessarily. If everyone involved is on the same page, it can be a totally valid, healthy way to connect. But if you’re using NCMOs to avoid deeper feelings, soothe loneliness, or fill a relationship-shaped hole, it’s worth pausing and checking in with yourself. Are you actually okay with the non-committal part? Or are you hoping it secretly turns into something more?

There’s also the question of consent and communication. Just because it’s “only” a makeout sesh doesn’t mean boundaries go out the window. It’s still important to ask. To check in. To respect a no. And to never treat someone’s body like a vending machine just because you're not taking off your clothes.

On the flip side, NCMOs can be empowering. You’re allowed to enjoy physical connection on your own terms. You’re allowed to want affection without commitment. You’re allowed to kiss someone without it being a Big Deal, as long as you’re clear on what it is and what it isn’t. Dating doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Sometimes it’s just lips, no labels.