Beware, your toxic ex may be 'winter coating' you this season. What does that mean?

It's that time of the year: "cuffing season."

As the temperature drops and the holidays roll in, the search for a temporary cuddle buddy begins. But this season, relationship experts are warning about another toxic, seasonal dating trend on the rise.

It's called "winter coating" and has more than 300,000 views on TikTok. The trend involves rekindling a relationship with an ex or old flame during the winter only to discard them, like a parka, in the spring. Oftentimes, it's to escape loneliness and get through the cold, dark months. 

"We get lazy in the winter, and it's comfortable to have somebody right here with you without having to go hunting for someone new," says Susan Winter, a relationship expert based in New York. It doesn't help that single people feel pressure from family members and friends to be partnered at holiday gatherings.