How to Respond to a “What’s Good?” Text

Co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 15, 2025 References

You’re going about your day when a ping sounds: someone texted you, “What’s good?” This simple question is a creative way to say, “What’s up?” or “How are you?” and can show up in a number of situations. We've got you covered, whether a friend, family member, or dating app match texts you! Keep reading to learn how to elicit the best response based on your relationship.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
Psychotherapist

Expert Interview}

Things You Should Know

Let them know what you’re up to, then ask “how are you doing?” for a friendly, casual answer.
Respond with a playful or witty joke if you’re texting somebody you’re crushing on.
Open up about how you’re feeling if you want to start a deeper conversation with someone you trust.

1

“Nothing much! How about you?”

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Keep things chill and casual, no matter who you’re texting. You can’t go wrong with a simple response and question! Tell them how you’re doing or what you’re up to, and then ask them how they are to keep the conversation going.^{[2]
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- “Same old, same old. You?”
- “It’s been pretty boring here. What are you up to?”
- “Just the usual. What are you doing?”

2

“Can’t complain! Excited for the weekend though.”

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Tell a friend how you’re doing and mention future plans. Maybe you’re good, fine, or not so great, but at least you have something to look forward to! This is an excellent way to solidify plans and let your friend know how you feel.
- “Could be better, but at least it’s Friday!”
- “Almost through the work day! Are we still on for tomorrow?”
- “Pretty good! I can’t wait for tonight.”

3

“Heading out to dinner. Want to come?”

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Respond honestly and follow up with a question. Whether you’re texting a friend, family member, or a crush, this is a super casual response that helps them feel involved in your plans.^{[3]
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- “Chilling at home. What have you been up to today?”
- “Going to a concert! You can totally join if you want!”
- “Studying. Did you start your essay yet?”

4

“I’m alright. Thanks for asking.”

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Thank a friend, family member, or partner for checking in. They’ve likely sent you “What’s good?” to make sure you’re doing all right. Be honest (if you’re comfortable), and then tell them how much you appreciate their kindness.^{[4]
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- “Could be better, but thanks for asking.”
- “That’s nice of you to ask! I’m okay.”
- “Pretty good! It’s so kind of you to ask.”

5

“What’s up with you?”

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Flip the script and ask them a similar question. Sometimes, you don’t want to disclose how you’re doing, and that’s okay! Try asking a friend, family member, or crush a question in return about how they’re up to.^{[5]
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- “What’s happening, man?”
- “How are you, friend?”
- “What have you been up to these days?”

6

“The pizza. You should try it.”

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Come back with a clever remark to show off your wit. Whether you’re feeling flirty or friendly, this response is perfect in almost every situation. Simply take their question verbatim and tell them what you’re enjoying.^{[6]
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- “Green smoothies. They’re surprisingly delicious.”
- “This weather! It’s such a nice day!”
- “My grades, if I do say so myself.”

7

“That’s your opener? I’ll let you try again.”

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Poke fun at a Tinder, Hinge, or Bumble match. If someone on a dating app tries to use “What’s good?” as a pick-up line, try bantering with them. This is a great way to show off a bit of your personality and humor in a flirtatiously cute way.^{[7]
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- “Not the best start. I’ll give you another try 😉”
- “Come on! You can do better than that for your opening line.”
- “Seriously, you’ve got to have a better pick-up line than that?”
- Keep in mind that some people may not get this type of humor and could be offended by it. If you like the person, this type of response could be a risky move.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW
  Psychotherapist
  
  Expert Interview}

8

“My mood now that you texted.”

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Send a cheesy flirt to make a match or crush blush. Let them know how your life is better because they’re in it! This cute yet clever response is bound to make them giggle.
- “Can’t complain now that we’ve matched.”
- “Well, your profile picture is pretty great.”
- “My life now that you’re in it 😘”

9

“Not much right now. Want to change that?”

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Hint that you’re ready to meet up with them. Use this playfully flirtatious response if you’re messaging someone on a dating app or texting a crush. You’re being forward without being too forward, making this a clever way to see how they feel about you romantically.
- “Nothing fun. Want to come over?”
- “Just chillin’. But I’m down to have some fun 😉”
- “Just swiping through apps looking for some romance…Maybe I’ve found it.”

10

“So much is happening! I’ll text you later.”

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Ask if you can talk to them later if you’re busy. Life can get hectic, and it’s okay to take a rain check on a “What’s good?” message. Just don’t leave your friend, family member, or partner on read! Send a simple update, so they know you’re not ignoring them.^{[9]
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- “I’m up to my knees in paperwork. I’ll give you a call when I’m free.”
- “Life’s been busy! Let’s schedule a time to catch up.”
- “Can I call you later? I’ve got to get this essay finished.”

11

“I’m hanging in there.”

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Confide in a loved one if you’re not good. Bad days happens, and sometimes you just need to vent. If you trust the person asking you, “What’s good?”, open up and be honest about how you feel.^{[10]
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- “Not me. It’s been one long day.”
- “Honestly, I’ve been better.”
- “After yesterday, I guess I’m okay.”

12

“What’s it to you?”

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Make a salty remark if you don’t vibe with them. Maybe you had a falling out with the person texting you, and you now have a hostile relationship.^{[11]
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- “I wish I was, but someone had to start rumors about me.”
- “Not this conversation.”
- “Honestly, I don’t feel comfortable texting you. Please leave me alone.”

13

“Please stop messaging me.”

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Let a dating app match know you’re not interested. Sometimes, you need to be forward about how you feel. If you don’t feel like texting someone, that’s perfectly valid! Try to be polite and ask them to leave you alone.
- “Hey, I think it’s time for us to move on to other matches.”
- “I’d rather if we stopped messaging each other.”
- “You seem nice, but I don’t think this relationship is going anywhere.”

14

“Hey, it’s nice to hear from you! Want to meet up?”

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Clarify that you’re more comfortable talking with them in person. Sometimes, it’s easier to explain how you’re doing in person. Use this response if you get a message from a friend you haven’t seen in a while or even an ex.
- “I’m glad you reached out, but I’m not much of a texter. Want to grab a coffee or something?”
- “Long time no chat! Do you want to meet up tonight? We have much to discuss.”
- “I was just thinking about you! How would you feel about grabbing some ice cream?”

15

“What do you mean?”

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Ask for some clarification if you don’t understand their question. “What’s good?” could be a friendly question or have a negative undertone, and it’s okay to ask outright what they mean. A simple question or statement can help clear the air so you’re both on the same page.^{[12]
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- “I don’t understand. You said you didn’t want to talk to me anymore.”
- “Are you asking me how I’m doing or being smart?”
- “Why? What did you hear?”