Is withholding truth the same as lying?

Do you think refraining from telling someone something is just as dishonest as lying?
For example, if you’re out somewhere and someone messages you and asks where you are, is avoiding the question the same as saying you’re home? (Not the best example, but it’s all that came to mind.)
Personally, I usually feel just as betrayed by having truth withheld from me as I do when I’m told a lie.
What’s your take?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

BiasForAction · M

it can be. context is everything

KatieKatze · 22-25, F

I agree with that. I’ve rarely experienced a context where it isn’t dishonest, though. Like once when my significant other went to a college party but didn’t tell me specifically because he knew I wouldn’t like it... but he went to it anyway. That, to me, is dishonest.

Thespis · M

So if my boss were to text me and ask if I can do something on a Saturday and I were to say, that I couldn't do to a personal engagement and she asks what I'm doing that Saturday then no I don't feel like I'm lying to not answer with the specifics because I don't owe it to them to answer "where are you". If I had a gf, and she asked "where are you?" and I didn't answer because I didn't want to say...then I would feel I was being dishonest. Another time I don't feel dishonest is not telling my parents the exact details of who I'm with or what I'm doing, I should add I'm 30 and live on my own. They're no longer entitled to know the details of my life and it's my choice how much I share.