Crossword Genius

Mixing with that guy's family before midnight (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

whisking

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'mixing' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'with that guy's family before midnight' is the wordplay.
'with' becomes 'w' (short for with).
'that guy's' becomes 'his' (belonging to a man).
'family' becomes 'kin' (synonyms).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'midnight' becomes 'g' (the middle letter in 'night').
'w'+'his'+'kin'+'g'='WHISKING'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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