220+ Responses to "What Are You Up To?" (Ultimate List)

You’ve probably received this question in a dozen different forms: over text, in person, from a friend, or maybe from a crush—“What are you up to?” It might seem like a throwaway question, but believe it or not, this little phrase carries some weight. It’s a gateway to conversation. It signals interest. It’s someone’s way of saying, “Talk to me.”

This question isn’t just about your activities—it’s about connection. It’s about checking in, staying in touch, or sometimes just opening the door to something deeper.

Table of Contents

220+ Responses to “What Are You Up To?”

Working

Just finishing up a few emails before I call it a day.
Drowning in spreadsheets right now, honestly.
On a Zoom call, pretending to look interested.
Trying to hit this deadline before my brain gives out.
Just knocked out a big task—feeling productive for once.
You know, the usual 9-to-5 grind.
I’ve been in meetings all day—send help.
Doing some creative work today, which actually feels fun.
Wrapping up a client presentation.
Sneaking in a quick break between tasks.

Studying / Learning

Trying to cram for an exam I totally forgot about.
Watching a tutorial and pretending I understand it.
Reading through notes—my brain is full.
Learning something new on YouTube again.
In study mode… or at least trying to be.
Flashcards and coffee kind of day.
Taking an online course on AI—pretty interesting stuff.
Just finished a quiz. I think I passed?
Doing some research for a paper I procrastinated on.
Taking notes and regretting all my life choices.

Relaxing

Just laying low and enjoying the peace.
Watching TV with zero plans to move.
Lounging with my dog—pure happiness.
Taking a well-earned break from being a human.
Listening to music and staring at the ceiling.
Doing absolutely nothing, and it feels amazing.
Just vibing with a cup of tea.
Burned out today, so I’m recharging.
Curled up with a blanket and a show.
Letting my brain breathe for once.

Socializing

Out with friends grabbing some food.
Just got back from brunch with the crew.
Catching up with a friend I haven’t seen in ages.
Group chat is going off—feels like a full-time job.
Hanging out at a small get-together.
Just FaceTimed my bestie for an hour.
Having a quick coffee catch-up.
At a party, trying to be social.
Texting a few people, nothing too wild.
Meeting someone new tonight—wish me luck.

Exercising

Just finished a workout—feeling great (and sore).
About to head out for a jog.
Mid-yoga session, trying not to fall over.
Hit the gym earlier—already regretting it.
Walked 10k steps today and counting!
Out on a bike ride, enjoying the weather.
Doing some home stretches and mobility work.
Just crushed a HIIT workout—send snacks.
Playing basketball with some friends.
Taking a hike and trying not to trip.

Errands

Just got back from the store—forgot half my list.
Running around town doing boring adult stuff.
At the bank, pretending to understand money.
Picking up a few things for dinner.
Grocery run turned into a mini shopping spree.
Waiting in line forever at the post office.
Grabbing some stuff I’ve been putting off all week.
Car’s at the mechanic, so I’m just hanging out.
Checking things off my weekend to-do list.
Errands day—it never ends, does it?

Eating / Cooking

Trying a new recipe—hope I don’t burn it.
Just ate way too much. Worth it.
Cooking something simple tonight.
Meal prepping like a responsible adult (for once).
Snacking my way through the afternoon.
Waiting for my food delivery to arrive.
Just finished lunch—now I need a nap.
Baking cookies for no reason at all.
Making breakfast-for-dinner because why not?
Trying to cook healthy… failing slowly.

Traveling

On the road—headed out of town for the weekend.
Just landed! Can’t wait to explore.
Packing for a trip and stressing about forgetting stuff.
Waiting at the airport—wish me luck.
Road trip vibes today!
Currently sightseeing and soaking it all in.
Exploring a new city—it’s amazing here.
On vacation mode, fully unplugged.
Just crossed into a new state!
Hotel life right now—room service and chill.

Gaming

Deep into a game session right now.
Just beat a tough level—feeling like a legend.
Online with friends—it’s getting competitive.
Trying not to rage quit today.
Lost track of time while playing.
Taking a quick break from the grind.
Exploring a new open-world game.
Playing something casual to unwind.
Streaming for a bit—come say hi!
Finally unlocked that achievement I was after.

Cleaning / Organizing

Just went on a cleaning spree—my place actually smells nice now.
Decluttering my closet and wondering why I kept half this stuff.
Wiping down surfaces like a domestic superhero.
Cleaning the kitchen and blasting music to survive it.
Folding laundry and pretending it’s a fun activity.
Organizing my desk so I can maybe be productive.
Sorting through junk drawers—send help.
Vacuuming like a pro today.
Trying to make my space look like an Instagram post.
Cleaning day—it’s chaos, but a good kind.

Watching / Bingeing

Just started a new show and I’m already hooked.
On episode 6 of a “quick watch” that turned into a marathon.
Watching reruns and loving every second.
Movie night in full swing over here.
Just finished a season in one sitting. No regrets.
Rewatching a comfort show for the 5th time.
Caught up in a docuseries—it’s wild.
Watching something dumb but hilarious.
Can’t decide what to watch next… suggestions?
Half-watching TV while scrolling my phone. Classic.

Listening to Music / Podcast

Vibing to some old-school tracks right now.
Just found a new artist and I’m obsessed.
Listening to a podcast about conspiracy theories—wild stuff.
Drowning out the world with my favorite playlist.
Music’s on, mood’s good.
Deep into a true crime podcast—so intense.
Playing my “main character” playlist on repeat.
Catching up on a podcast episode I missed.
Just letting Spotify decide my vibe today.
Headphones in, world off.

Nothing / Being Idle

Honestly? Just laying around doing nothing.
Mentally checked out today.
Kinda just existing at the moment.
Doing that thing where you stare at the wall and zone out.
Nothing much, just floating through the day.
It’s one of those “couch and no plans” kind of days.
Brain is in sleep mode, but I’m awake.
Not doing anything productive and I’m okay with that.
Just breathing and scrolling.
Absolutely nothing. And I’m thriving.

Planning / Goal Setting

Journaling and figuring out my life one bullet point at a time.
Planning out my week so I don’t fall apart.
Mapping out some goals—trying to get serious.
Reflecting and resetting for the month ahead.
Making a to-do list I may or may not follow.
Organizing my calendar like a grown-up.
Trying to turn big ideas into small steps.
Setting some intentions for the day.
Planning a project I’ve been putting off forever.
Laying out some personal goals—growth season!

Creating (Art/Music/Writing)

Sketching out some ideas—feels good to create.
Writing a piece that’s been on my mind all week.
Doodling aimlessly but loving it.
Editing a song I’ve been working on—finally clicking.
Brainstorming a new story idea.
Just made something I’m actually proud of.
Getting back into painting again—missed this.
Writing lyrics and trying to stay in the flow.
Messing around with beats—vibe check pending.
Staring at a blank page, hoping inspiration hits.

Reading

Deep into a good book right now.
Just started something new—it’s got me hooked.
Catching up on some reading I’ve been putting off.
Flipping pages and ignoring my phone.
Finally tackling my growing TBR list.
Rereading an old favorite—it hits different now.
Reading with a cup of tea and no distractions.
Trying to focus on a book but keep zoning out.
Got sucked into a fantasy world again.
Reading something light and fun—needed the escape.

Commuting / In Transit

On the bus—just people-watching and vibing.
Stuck in traffic, but the playlist’s good at least.
Riding the train and daydreaming.
Just walking and letting my mind wander.
Ubering across town—hoping it’s not a long ride.
Waiting for my ride and scrolling in the meantime.
In transit and half-asleep.
Taking the scenic route home today.
On the move—nothing exciting, just getting there.
Traveling and soaking in the surroundings.

Watching Kids / Family Time

Hanging out with the little ones—it’s chaos, but the good kind.
Building pillow forts and watching cartoons.
Playing pretend and being assigned 27 different characters.
Family game night in full effect.
Just had a dance party in the living room with the kids.
Trying to get them to nap… and failing.
At the park—slides, snacks, and sunscreen.
Reading bedtime stories on repeat.
Doing crafts and cleaning glitter off everything.
Just enjoying some quality time with the fam.

Working on a Side Project

Tinkering with a passion project I’ve been neglecting.
Just made progress on something I’ve been dreaming about.
Brainstorming ideas for my next creative move.
Coding a little tool I wish already existed.
Designing something cool—can’t wait to share it.
Finally carving out time for my side hustle.
Editing photos for a little side gig.
Building out a website for fun/practice.
Writing something personal—no pressure, just joy.
Just diving into the thing that lights me up.

Waiting for Something

Just killing time while I wait for this delivery.
Waiting on a call—nervous and excited.
Sitting around and refreshing my inbox like it’ll help.
Waiting in a lobby with nothing to do.
Just passing time until my ride gets here.
In that weird limbo between “done” and “what’s next.”
Waiting for a friend to show up—classic.
Just on standby for some news today.
Watching the clock and hoping it moves faster.
Basically in holding mode for now.

Helping Someone

Just helping a friend move—boxes and chaos everywhere.
Babysitting my niece today—she’s a handful but cute.
Lending a hand with some tech stuff.
Helping my parents with errands this afternoon.
Assisting a coworker with a project that’s kinda cool.
Just being the designated support system today.
Running a few favors for a friend in need.
Helping someone study—trying to explain things without overcomplicating.
Donating some time to a local cause.
Doing what I can to make someone else’s day easier.

Celebrating

Out celebrating a friend’s birthday—good vibes all around.
Just had a little win, so I’m treating myself.
At a family gathering—food, laughs, and stories.
Cheers-ing to something small but meaningful.
Celebrating the end of a long week!
Having a quiet celebration for a personal goal I hit.
Just wrapped up a project—time to party (a little).
Toasting to good news with the people I love.
Out at dinner celebrating something special.
Letting myself enjoy the moment, for once.

Why This Simple Question Matters

Your response to “What are you up to?” can shape how the conversation unfolds. Respond in a friendly or playful way, and you’ve opened up the space for more dialogue. Give a dry or one-word answer, and the conversation might flatline. That’s why learning how to respond thoughtfully—even if you’re just chilling in your pajamas eating cereal—is a solid social skill to have.

Whether you’re texting a coworker, chatting with your best friend, or responding to a flirtatious message, having a variety of responses ready can keep things engaging and natural.

Different Scenarios for “What Are You Up To?”

To craft the best response, you first need to consider who’s asking and why. The same answer won’t work for every situation. You wouldn’t reply to your boss the same way you would to your best friend or your crush, right? Let’s break it down.

Casual Conversations with Friends

If a friend hits you with “What are you up to?”, they’re likely just trying to touch base. Maybe they’re bored or curious, or maybe they want to hang out. These are the easiest responses to handle—you can be totally casual, even silly.

Text Messages and Online Chats

Texting lacks tone and body language, which means your message can be misinterpreted. A short “nothing much” might come off cold, so it’s better to throw in a little flavor—an emoji, a question, or a funny comment—to keep the tone friendly.

Workplace and Professional Settings

Now, if it’s your manager asking “What are you up to?”, they probably don’t want to hear, “Just scrolling through TikTok.” In this case, your answer should sound professional and to the point, while still sounding human.

Romantic or Flirty Situations

Ah, the most interesting case. When someone you like—or someone who likes you—asks, “What are you up to?”, it can be loaded with meaning. It’s often not about your activity, but an invitation to flirt, connect, or even hint at plans. These situations call for charm and a little wit.

How to Respond Casually

Responses for Friends

When friends ask, feel free to be informal. Here are a few simple yet engaging replies:

“Just chilling, what about you?”
“Trying to decide what snack to eat next.”
“Lazing around and loving every minute of it.”

Keep it honest and light. Friends don’t need the polished version—they just want to know what’s up.

Light and Funny Replies

If humor is your thing, this is the time to shine. Fun responses keep the mood upbeat and make the other person smile:

“Plotting to take over the world. You in?”
“Debating whether to clean my room or keep pretending it doesn’t exist.”
“Having an existential crisis. You know, the usual.”

These kinds of replies make you memorable and easy to talk to.

When You’re Doing Absolutely Nothing

If you’re not actually doing anything, you can still answer creatively:

“Absolutely nothing. Living the dream.”
“Literally just vibing.”
“Nothing important—just breathing and scrolling.”

Simple, honest, and totally fine.

How to Respond Formally

Professional Responses in the Workplace

When coworkers or supervisors ask what you’re up to, they’re often checking on your progress. Keep it brief, respectful, and clear:

“Just finalizing the project update for today.”
“Reviewing the client notes from this morning’s meeting.”
“Prepping the report that’s due tomorrow.”

Keep it to the point, but approachable.

Responding to a Boss or Colleague

When a manager or team member is checking in, use specific language:

“I’m currently revising the presentation slides for the quarterly review.”
“Working on integrating feedback from the design team.”
“Going through emails and organizing my tasks for the week.”

You don’t need to overdo it—just let them know you’re on track.

Balancing Friendliness with Professionalism

It’s always okay to show some warmth:

“Wrapping up some admin work—exciting stuff, right?”
“Catching up on reports. Hoping to power through before lunch.”

Professional, yet personable.

Flirty and Playful Responses

When Someone’s Trying to Flirt

If you feel that flirtatious undertone, you can lean into it:

“Waiting for you to sweep me off my feet.”
“Thinking about how great we’d look together.”
“Trying to come up with a cute reply to impress you.”

Don’t be afraid to add some personality—this is where fun connections begin.

Playful Ways to Keep the Conversation Going

Flirty doesn’t always mean cheesy. Keep it light:

“Nothing too exciting… unless you’re free to change that.”
“Being mysterious. Ask again and I might tell you more ;)”
“Avoiding boredom. You volunteering as tribute?”

These keep the tone fun and flirty without trying too hard.

Responding Over Text vs In-Person

Why Tone Matters More in Text

Without facial expressions and tone of voice, text messages can easily be misunderstood. Something playful might seem sarcastic, and something short might feel dismissive.

That’s why your word choice, punctuation, and even emojis matter.

Emojis, Punctuation, and Clarity

“Just relaxing 😊” — Friendly and warm.
“Working on some stuff 😅 what about you?” — Casual and open to conversation.
“Nothing really. You?” — Could seem disinterested if not followed up.

A little effort in tone can go a long way in text.

Creative Responses to Stand Out

Unique and Memorable Replies

If you want your replies to stand out, especially on dating apps or social media, try:

“Currently starring in the movie of my life. It’s low budget but high drama.”
“Cooking up dreams and burning toast.”
“On a secret mission, but I can’t say more without a codeword.”

You’ll be remembered for your creativity.

Turning the Question Back (With a Twist)

“Trying to decide if I should answer honestly or impress you. Your pick?”
“I could tell you… but wouldn’t it be more fun to guess?”
“Depends—are you offering a better option?”

Fun, mysterious, and perfect conversation starters.

What NOT to Say

Replies That May Sound Rude or Boring

“Nothing.” (Too flat)
“Busy.” (Closed off)
“Why?” (Sounds defensive)

These kill the vibe. Avoid short, cold responses unless you’re trying to end the conversation.

Overthinking or Overexplaining

Don’t turn it into an essay:

“Well first I woke up, then I had coffee, then I answered some emails, and now I’m kind of wondering what I’m going to do next…”

It’s too much. Keep it snappy.

Using Humor to Your Advantage

Light-Hearted Jokes

Humor builds connection instantly:

“Training to be a superhero. So far, I can open jars really well.”
“Currently avoiding everything on my to-do list like a champ.”

Funny responses make you relatable and fun to talk to.

Sarcastic but Safe Responses

If sarcasm is your love language, try:

“Living the dream… if that dream includes laundry and leftovers.”
“Just counting how many hours until I can nap again.”

Just make sure your sarcasm won’t be misread, especially over text.

Conversation Starters Derived from Your Response

Turning the Question into a Deeper Chat

Instead of a dead-end, use it to build connection:

“Reading this crazy sci-fi book. Ever read anything by [author]?”
“Cooking dinner—do you like spicy food?”

You’re offering a topic they can latch onto.

Asking Engaging Follow-Up Questions

“Just watching a documentary. You into true crime?”
“Taking a break from work—how’s your day going?”

This invites them to talk more, and that’s how conversations grow.

Tailoring Your Response to the Relationship

Talking to Acquaintances vs Close Friends

Keep it lighter with people you don’t know well:

“Not much, just relaxing.”

But let your real personality shine with friends:

“Eating cereal in bed and watching conspiracy videos. Peak productivity.”

Romantic Interests vs Family Members

With romantic interests, be flirty:

“Waiting for you to text me 😉”

With family? Keep it simple or silly:

“Just cleaning the house so it looks like I’ve got it together.”

Examples of Best Responses

10 Ready-to-Use Sample Replies

“Just chilling and catching up on shows. You?”
“Trying to beat my procrastination record.”
“Doing everything but what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“Relaxing with some music. Got any good recommendations?”
“Mentally on a beach. Physically on the couch.”
“Thinking about pizza… as usual.”
“Working, but wishing I wasn’t.”
“Procrastinating in style. What about you?”
“Binge-watching a new series. You seen [show]?”
“Trying to look busy. You?”

Why It’s Okay to Say “Not Much” Sometimes

Embracing Simplicity Without Killing the Vibe

Honestly, you don’t always need a clever reply. If you’re not up to much, it’s totally fine to say so. The key is how you say it:

“Not much, just hanging out. You?”

It’s casual, relaxed, and keeps the conversation going.

Building Social Confidence with Small Talk

How Mastering Simple Responses Improves Social Skills

Every time you respond to a question like “What are you up to?”, you’re practicing social skills. You’re learning to read tone, build connection, and express yourself better. Small talk isn’t just filler—it’s the foundation of great conversations.

By being thoughtful in your responses, you become someone people enjoy talking to. And that’s a pretty great skill to have.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, whether you’re aiming to be witty, flirty, or just genuinely engaging, having a strong response to “What are you up to?” can keep any conversation flowing effortlessly. With over 220 options to choose from, you’ll never be caught off guard again. And if you’re looking for ways to express gratitude when someone makes you feel at home, check out our list of the 220+ Best Ways To Thank For “Welcome To The Family” to keep those heartfelt moments going strong.

FAQs

Q. What does “What are you up to?” actually mean?

It’s a casual way of asking what you’re doing or how you’re spending your time, often as a conversation starter.

Q. Is it rude to say “Nothing much” every time?

Not rude, but it can sound disengaged. Mix it up with a question or add a little humor to keep the vibe friendly.

Q. How do I make a boring conversation more interesting?

Use your reply to pivot into something you’re excited about or ask the other person something personal or quirky.

Q. Can I ignore the question if I don’t want to answer?

You can, but it’s usually better to offer a light response or redirect the conversation instead of ignoring it entirely.

Q. What are some clever comebacks for friends?

Try fun replies like:

“Top secret. I’d tell you, but then I’d have to delete your memory.”
“Doing hoodrat things with my hoodrat friends.”