Share This Article
Tinder has released the latest edition of its Future of Dating report . Titled “The Renaissance of Dating, Fueled by Authenticity,” the report takes a look at the current trends in online dating. They are the trends that have changed dating and will continue to do so in the future.
A new era
Recent research shows that the majority of people under 30 have used a dating app. What’s even more remarkable is that over half (55%) of them have had a serious relationship with someone they met on Tinder, and 37% know someone who has had the same experience. This clearly shows that dating apps offer endless possibilities and meet people’s needs. With Tinder being the most downloaded dating app in the world, it has become a real springboard for singles to enter the dating pool. But how is dating evolving with the rise of Gen Z?
When Tinder launched, the then 18- to 25-year-olds, also known as millennials, were the ones who discovered the app. Tinder changed the way we meet new people, taking away the tension of approaching someone at a party, at school, or on the street. It became as simple as swiping right to get to know someone.
- 55% of people under 30 have had a serious relationship with someone they met on Tinder.
- 37% know someone to whom the same thing happened.
However, with the rise of Gen Z, the norms have changed. This generation, the current 18- to 25-year-olds, feels at home online and prefers authenticity over perfect profiles and filtered photos. According to the report, they don’t want to play mind games while dating. More than half of millennials surveyed also agree that dating is healthier for 18- to 25-year-olds today than it was when they were that age.
Gen Z has introduced new deal breakers like honesty, openness and a focus on mental health. They have reinvigorated dating by abandoning the traditional pressures of schedules, home-sitting and conventional labels. They are embracing the freedom to form different types of meaningful relationships.
- 69% of Gen Z wants dating norms and values to modernize.
- 80% of Gen Z say their own well-being is a priority when dating.
- 79% expect potential partners to feel the same way.
For Gen Z, Tinder is a source of opportunity. Young singles are less focused on traditional commitment to relationships. They see committed relationships in all forms as normal, whether they’re monogamous, open, or situational. For the new generation, dating is simply part of the learning process, a way to connect without the pressure of labels.
ALSO READ: 35 Playful Dates to Keep Your Relationship Alive

More than one night
In today’s dating world, young singles are looking for something deeper than a casual fling or a one-night stand . The data itself shows that a long-term relationship is the most desired goal among Tinder users. A whopping 40% of members who indicate their relationship intentions on the app say they’re looking for a serious connection, while only 13% select “something casual.”
Nevertheless, an overwhelming majority (75%) of young singles believe that their generation is changing the norms of dating and relationships. In fact, the importance of marriage appears to have declined, with it ranking 10th on the list of priorities for 18- to 25-year-olds, compared to 4th place for millennials at the same age.
- 64% of young singles feel comfortable in unpleasant or awkward situations.
- Understanding each other’s ‘love language’ is considered important by 82% of respondents.
- There’s been a 50% increase in love language mentions in Tinder bios compared to last year.
- Over 72% of Tinder members are looking for someone who is genuine about their relationship intentions.
- 70% of young singles agree that dating without intention or without knowing what you want is something for amateurs.
- 39% of young singles indicate that personal growth and well-being are the highest priority.
- “Self-care” ranks #4 on Tinder’s list of most attractive interests .
ALSO READ: One-Sided Relationship? 22 Signs It’s Coming from One Side
React fast
Young singles are being pragmatic (89%) in their dating and are making up for lost time. 77% of Tinder members respond to a crush within 30 minutes, 40% respond within 5 minutes and more than a third respond immediately. This concern to avoid wasting time makes them move from online to offline more quickly.
- 51% of Gen Z respondents agree that they are constantly looking for ways to fit dating into their daily schedule.
- Globally , 18- to 25-year-olds are 32% less likely to ghost someone than 33+ year-olds.
- On average, young daters meet up with someone IRL after a few days.
- 68% of users surveyed say they use dating apps while at work.
- 32% have arranged a date during the workday.
- Tinder’s work mode is opened by someone every 4 seconds.
Quality profile according to everyone
Gen Z also knows exactly what to look for when assessing someone’s profile. Interests, lifestyle preferences and dating intent are more important than anything else. According to the research, here are the five criteria that Tinder members say define a “ quality profile ”:
- Minimum 4 photos
- Minimum 3 interests
- Photo verification
- Minimum 4 lifestyle preferences
- A bio of at least 7 words
Manifest
While star signs may be the number one identifier added to Tinder profiles by 18-25 year olds, there’s a new spiritual pillar that says a lot about who you are. With 41% of young singles believing in manifesting (mentally visualizing your desires/dreams to help them come true), it has a bigger impact on compatibility and connection than star signs.
Dating without alcohol
Gen Zers are not drinkers. Call it what you will, sober dating or dry dating, it’s a trend that can’t be ignored. In fact, it’s becoming more of a lifestyle choice and less of a trend. The ability to form a more genuine connection (42%), safety (40%) and quality of conversation (39%) top the list of reasons for choosing to stay sober.
- 88% of singles surveyed say they are interested in a sober date.
- 52% plan to drink less alcohol or none at all this year.
- The emojis and have each declined (40% and 25% respectively) on Tinder profiles.
- Favorite dates include a picnic in the park (41%), a casual walk with coffee or tea (39%) or an open-air movie or concert (33%).
- 72% of Tinder members say they don’t drink or drink only occasionally.
ALSO READ: Is He The One? Not If He Does These 25 Things
Not afraid of technology
There’s no doubt that AI will be a transformative force, not just for online dating, but for the entire world. That’s why everyone is getting involved—including Tinder members. In fact, since January 1, 2023, the number of mentions of Chat GPT in Tinder bios has increased 14-fold. Young daters are clearly seeing the benefits.
- 34% of Tinder users agree that they would use AI to build their dating profile.
- Most 18- to 25-year-olds (and Tinder itself) agree that AI can work particularly well as an initial icebreaker.
Diversity in online dating
The number of interracial and multicultural relationships has increased significantly, especially among young people, with 75% of them confirming this wholeheartedly.
- 61% of dating app users are open to interracial dating or marriage
- Nearly 80% of Tinder members have dated someone of a different ethnicity.
This trend has also translated geographically, with search distances on Tinder steadily growing by an average of 12% per year. Interestingly, women on Tinder have a slightly greater reach than men, at 12% more.
- 46% of users use Passport feature without actually traveling to the location in question.
- The most popular destinations for Passport are LA, New York, London, Paris and Tokyo.
- On average, 18 to 25 year olds apply for a passport nine times a month.
ALSO READ: Couples Have More in Common Than We Think’
Feeling of openness
For Gen Z, it’s all about the individual and their personality. For example, half of respondents agree that they would be open to dating someone with a disability or neurodivergence (being different from others). Additionally, young singles prioritize values such as loyalty , respect, and open-mindedness over appearance.
Gen Z is also more embracing of gender and sexuality differences, and they are the most liberated generation in this regard. They are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ and break with traditional gender roles. This is clearly visible on Tinder, where LGBTQIA+ members are the fastest growing group and the number of non-binary users has increased significantly.
ALSO READ: 114 Best Date Ideas for First, Second and More Dates
Data is different
For Gen Z, the concept of dating is synonymous with seriousness and a goal-oriented journey (namely finding a relationship), unlike older generations who see it as something more casual, without a specific goal or end. Young singles prefer to be friends first, which takes the pressure off and removes all expectations.
While companionship, friendship or a situationship are the top three things 18-25 year old singles are looking for right now, 64% say they enjoy the emotional boost that comes with a romantic relationship. As a result, Gen Z prefers terms that don’t try to define a connection, like ‘vibing’, ‘hanging out’, ‘flinging’, ‘prela’ and of course ‘ situationship ’. These are terms that are more in line with how 18-25 year olds view the dating process.
P.S. Are you already following Gistinger.com on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter?