Mind games

Mind Games
noun

The art of mental manipulation, often used in relationships where one person (typically a female) employs subtle tactics of deception, confusion, or mixed signals to influence another person (usually a male) into acting, thinking, or feeling in a way that aligns with their desires, beliefs, or expectations.

Bro, I thought she was into me, but now she’s acting all distant. I swear she’s just playing mind games.

(A psychological chess match where the rules are unclear, but the goal is always control.)