26 Creative Ways to Respond to "What's Up"

You can be radically honest, totally hilarious, fantastically flirty, or all of the above.

Published April 12, 2024
Two happy friends meeting and greeting on the street with a blurred background

From a funny quip to total emotional honesty, how you respond to "what's up" can totally dictate the tone of your conversation. It's nice to have a few appropriate responses at the ready for when you aren't really sure what to say. We've got you covered for every situation.

Simple Responses to "What's Up"

When someone asks you what's up, they're really asking about how and what you're doing at this point in time. Most of the time, the basic answer to "what's up" is to say there's nothing unusual happening. We like these simple responses.

Same old, same old.
  • Not much. You?
  • Just hanging out at home.
  • Same old, same old.
  • The usual. How about you?
  • Just the normal stuff. Anything happening with you?

How to Respond to "What's Up" in a Flirty Way

If you've been on a couple of dates with someone or are just chatting with a crush, your "what's up" answer might take a flirty tone. There are so many cute ways to respond, but these are some of our favorites.

That's classified information, but I'll share it with you over a cocktail.
  • What's up? My mood definitely is after hearing from you.
  • That's classified information, but I'll share it with you over a cocktail.
  • My mood is definitely up after hearing from someone as cute as you.
  • Not too much. Just daydreaming about you, but I do that all the time.
  • Just over here wishing I was over there with you.

How to Reply to "What's Up" With Total Honesty

A lot of the time, "what's up" is kind of a throw-away question to get a conversation going, but there's no harm in answering it with total honesty. If you're not having the best day (or even if you are), give them the real story.

Well, my anxiety level is way up, but I'm starting to relax now.
  • Well, my anxiety level is way up, but I'm starting to relax now.
  • Not my mood, since I'm feeling a little down today. Want to get some coffee later?
  • I'm exhausted, actually. Looking forward to hanging out later, though.
  • I've actually been having the best day. You?
  • Things have been a lot lately, but it's starting to get under control.
Quick Tip

What if you're upset at the person, and their "what's up" is their way of asking what's wrong? In this case, it's good to ask if they have some time to sit down and discuss it. Give your emotions the space they deserve with a real conversation.

Ways to Respond to "What's Up" Over Text

Texting someone "what's up" is a good way to start chatting or just check in for the day. Think of it as a variation on the "how are you" text. Try one of these responses.

Not all that much. Just staring at my phone as usual.
  • Should I tell you in words or send it as a series of emojis?
  • Not too much! I'm happy to hear from you.
  • Sooo bored until you texted. What are you up to?
  • Just the usual, so it's up to you to do something weird.
  • Not all that much. Just staring at my phone as usual.

Related: 55 Adorably Appropriate Responses to a Good Morning Text

Funny Ways to Answer "What's Up"

"What's up" lends itself to a lot of funny answers too. We love these responses, which are sure to get a smile.

My blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Nothing! Everything is normal. I'm not hiding anything. What have you heard?
  • House prices and inflation!
  • Not my paycheck!
  • My blood pressure and cholesterol.
  • Just trying to decide whether ketchup counts as a vegetable.
  • Just waiting for a plot twist.

No Wrong Answers to "What's Up"

Basically, how you respond to "what's up" depends on the message you want to send. You can be honest, casual, funny, or flirty. There's no wrong answer as long as it conveys the mood you want.

26 Creative Ways to Respond to "What's Up"