What makes kittenfishing different is that it isn't an overt scam with a false identity. It shows up in dating, work, and social life, which is why it can be especially risky emotionally for those in midlife and beyond. Kittenfishing is pretending to be a more impressive version of oneself. Simple kittenfishing: You see on a profile that a potential first date loves playing pickleball. Kittenfishing: Saying "Hey, I just got done playing a game of level 5 pickleball," when you are actually a beginner.