Domain missing, but in use

I have a domain registered elsewhere and set up with the Do NS. I used previously, but deleted both the droplet it was tied to and it itself. New droplet and I am unable to attach the domain to it “Domain already in use” despite it not being existent in my control panel. Is it possible my domain is stuck somewhere in the system preventing me from using it again on DO or might have some URL pirates attached it to their own IP addy preventing me from using it?

Edit: I attempted to delete my entire project. It will not allow me. It says I still have a resource in use, but none can be found. I suspect my domain is sitting in limbo on DO’s system.