When pop singer Neil Sedaka released “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” in June 1962, it quickly became apparent that the song was destined to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and a short time later it did just that.

Most of today’s young people probably never have heard of Neil Sedaka, but if they have heard of him, it is likely that only a small fraction of them can recite the title of even one of his hits.

But he was a well-known, well-regarded singer “back in the day.”

However, what he was singing about back then is as real today as it was in June 1962, although breakups now have the tendency to seem much more complicated than they were back then, and that’s unfortunate.

It probably is safe to say that no one commits to a long-term relationship simply by saying “yes” to a first date.

“Don’t take your love away from me, don’t you leave my heart in misery, if you go then I’ll be blue, ’cause breaking up is hard to do,” Sedaka sang.

Today, the issue of whether to say “yes” to even a second date can be the source of mental turmoil or anguish for some individuals — and it is not only females who are affected in that way.

The point of this, though, in response to a July 25 Wall Street Journal article headlined “The new rules of dating: less ghosting, more dumping” is that there is no totally right or wrong way to indicate that you’re not interested in “the other person” — whether that’s after a first date or otherwise.

What feels correct and comfortable for you is what is right for you, although it might not be right for someone else, even possibly a close friend.

For people of Neil Sedaka’s era — today’s senior citizens — who might not know the meaning of “ghosting,” it is the practice of ending contact without explanation. While the practice still is common, the Journal pointed out, it is falling out of favor, as individuals opt for what they feel are more mature — or “being myself” — options.

Meanwhile, there is the practice of “mutual ghosting,” where both individuals remain silent about not wanting any additional dates and simply drift away from any further contact.

Anyone who had the opportunity to read the Journal article in its entirety probably at some point said “that’s me” to some of the no-second-date preferences expressed.

One individual quoted in the article said he prefers not to leave anyone hanging after a first date, and he chooses to proactively reach out in a day or two to share how he feels.

“A lot of women have that expectation that the guy is going to reach out,” he said.

Regarding “mutual ghosts,” a woman from San Francisco commented that it’s certainly better than “breaking up with somebody you’re not even in a relationship with.”

Then there is the product manager from Florida whose therapist suggested that he just be honest, which he ended up doing and continues to do, where applicable.

An Austin, Texas-based, dating coach and matchmaker for men advises his clients to send a not-feeling-it text after a date or two when the woman has indicated some interest.

Amid the problems of the world then — the wars, natural and man-made disasters and Mother Nature’s fickleness — one reality persists: Breaking up or otherwise expressing disinterest can still be hard to do.