how long has this been going on

The phrase “how long has this been going on” most often refers to the 1974 song “How Long” by the English band Ace, written and sung by Paul Carrack.

Quick Scoop

In everyday use, people say “how long has this been going on” when they suddenly realize something has been happening behind their back or without their knowledge. It usually carries a mix of surprise, hurt, and suspicion, like discovering a secret that may have been going on for a while.

Where the phrase comes from

• The best‑known source is Ace’s hit “How Long (Has This Been Going On?)” released in 1974.

• It sounds like a classic “cheating partner” line, which is why it shows up so often in jokes, memes, and forum titles.

• In reality, Paul Carrack has explained that the song was inspired by his band’s bass player secretly working with another band, not a romantic affair.

“How long has this been going on?” in the song is really about a bandmate’s disloyalty and the fear he might leave, not about a cheating lover.

How forums and trending discussions use it

Online, the phrase “how long has this been going on” is often used as a dramatic or playful title for posts when someone discovers:

• A bug, policy, or hidden feature that’s existed for months or years.
• A drama situation (on a forum, fandom, or workplace) they only just noticed.
• Long‑running gossip, inside jokes, or trends they somehow missed.

People will write posts like:

“This bug has been in the app for YEARS?? How long has this been going on?”

or

“I just found out about this creator–subreddit beef. How long has this been going on?”

The phrase helps hook readers because it signals a reveal, an ongoing issue, and a bit of emotional punch all at once.

If you meant something else

Because the phrase is flexible, you might be:

1. Quoting the Ace song (music context, nostalgia, lyrics).
2. Titling a blog, newsletter, or forum thread about a long‑running issue.
3. Asking literally how long a situation has been happening in your life or in the news.

If you tell me the specific topic (news event, relationship issue, forum drama, bug, etc.), I can give a focused, story‑style breakdown that matches the “Quick Scoop” format you outlined. Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.