It was not long ago that Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were a happy couple: appearing together at fashion shows and film festivals, hugging on the beach. Recently, though, it was reported that Ms. Theron had stopped responding to Mr. Penn’s calls and text messages. She was “ghosting” him.

Ghosting apparently refers to leaving a social gathering without saying goodbye. Like a ghost. Geddit? Other party goers might wonder where you went, but are mostly unfazed by your departure and it usually happens when you are too drunk to say a proper goodbye or you don't want to interrupt the host and make other guests take it as a cue to leave and thus kill the party.

Ghosting — aka the Irish goodbye, the French exit, and any number of other vaguely ethnophobic terms — refers to leaving a social gathering without saying your farewells. One moment you’re at the bar, or the house party, or the Sunday morning wedding brunch. The next moment you’re gone. In the manner of a ghost.

Ghosting
To disappear without anyone noticing at first. Usually done while in large groups.