Asking coworkers for a reference but not giving them many details about job hunting

I am job hunting but trying to keep it low key since I hear telling the wrong people that you are looking for a new job can cause you to be let go early. As much as I didn't want to tell anyone at all, I had to gather a couple of professional references so I had to tell a couple coworkers that I really would have to make sure would not spread things around. They haven't done that which is good but I've always wondered, if you can't trust anyone at all or you really don't want to tell anyone, yet you need to provide a professional reference, how do you go about that without actually telling coworkers that you're looking for a new job? Wish professional references weren't required but they are.

I don't know when I would actually leave so for the couple of coworkers that I asked a reference from, I just told them I am looking at some other opportunities for a job without going into too much details. I've gone to other places for interviews and other job hunting related stuff so I have taken a few days off here and there. When asked why I took off or if it was due to job hunting, I've said no just because I don't want them to think that I'm definitely leaving or going to slack off on the job. They don't need to know anymore than the fact that I just need references for possible new opportunities. How much do you divulge to your coworkers? Just wondered what you guys have done without going overboard.

It depends how close you are to your coworkers. Share what you feel comfortable with. It’s normal to look for jobs and it’s normal to update your resume and preferences even if you don’t look for a job at the moment

Yeah makes sense. I agree. It just confuses me sometimes but yeah what you said makes sense.