chat line
Phone conversation service
A chat line is a telephone service where callers can talk to strangers, typically for flirtation or sexual conversation.
Popular before the internet made such connections easier, chat lines charged by the minute and were advertised late at night: He ran up huge phone bills calling chat lines.
Sometimes called a party line or phone sex line, though these have slightly different connotations.
Direct emergency phone connection
- helplinePhone service for assistance
- call centerTelephone support facility
- operatorOne who works machinery
- dial-inConnect via telephone
toll-free · switchboard · answering service · voicemail · callback · hold music · queue · customer service
Playfully showing romantic interest
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
- personalsClassified ads seeking relationships
- meetupInformal planned gathering
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
connection · companionship · lonely hearts · conversation partner · late-night · adults-only · caller · profile
Verbal exchange between people
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
- gossipInformal talk spreading rumors
gabfest · exchange · rapport · tête-à-tête · confab · shooting the breeze · catching up · casual conversation
hotline
Direct emergency phone connection
- helplinePhone service for assistance
- call centerTelephone support facility
- operatorOne who works machinery
dial-in · toll-free · switchboard · answering service · voicemail · callback · hold music · queue · customer service · directory
flirting
Playfully showing romantic interest
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
- personalsClassified ads seeking relationships
- meetupInformal planned gathering
icebreaker · connection · companionship · lonely hearts · conversation partner · late-night · adults-only · caller · profile · greeting
talk
Verbal exchange between people
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- dialogueSpoken exchange between parties
- small talkPolite trivial conversation
gossip · gabfest · exchange · rapport · tête-à-tête · confab · shooting the breeze · catching up · casual conversation · discussion
chat lineletter writing
Composing written messages
snail mail · texting · text messaging · email · written correspondence
chat lineface-to-face meeting
isolation · physical presence · solitude · social gathering · blind date