Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communication are described. A wireless node may transmit directional signals in a sweeping transmission pattern while receiving communications from a second wireless node. Another wireless node may then, during a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure, receive one of the directional signals, and terminate a correspondence communication session to avoid potential interference. Additionally or alternatively, a wireless node may listen in directions in a sweeping receive pattern while transmitting to a second wireless node. While listening, the wireless node may detect a transmission from a third wireless node in a particular direction. The wireless node may then accordingly refrain from transmitting in that direction to avoid potential interference.