The new year is upon us, and it’s very likely finding genuine love is more complicated than ever. In a post-pandemic world, millennial and Gen Z dating trends have slowly but surely steered toward digital apps.

Just as online dating offers convenience and comfortability for its users, this ever-advancing approach also comes with specific etiquette and nuances. So, how will people best find their romantic connections in 2025?

Playboy Club model Anessa Rossi has previously shared her secrets to meeting the right people in the modern era. Rossi’s advice is both thoughtful and creative—however, let’s see what the numbers say. Spoiler alert: prospective daters — especially women — are increasingly prioritizing transparency while refusing to settle for less than they deserve.

For the sake of this article, all dating statistics are courtesy of Bumble (which was the United States’ most downloaded dating app in 2024). Information was pulled from its worldwide database over a five-day period last September, polling upwards of 41,000 users between the ages of 18 and 35.

Gen Z and Millennial Dating Trends

Date With Me

By now, the populace is well familiar with the get-ready-with-me (GRWM) social media trend. This can make for fun content, especially before a night out. In 2025, prepare yourself for date-with-me, or DWM content!

Bumble’s recent survey yielded some intriguing findings. “Watching others be open about their dating experiences is having a positive impact, with 42% of women saying they feel less self-conscious and lonely because of it.” Keep in mind—healthy relationships happen when both sides are comfortable and confident.

Future-Proofing

We live in a time where almost every young person is concerned about future stability, so naturally, that is something that affects modern dating dynamics. These forward-looking concerns can stem from financial, professional, psychological or environmental stressors.

Within Bumble’s survey, 59% of women expressed a desire for a spouse that has emotional stability. Simply, people tend to want someone steady that — if needed — they can depend on emotionally through various situations.

Guy Friends Are Good

For women, having a “guy best friend” is really nothing new. Still, Bumble asserts that “31% of single women surveyed say they are more open with their male friends than they used to be about their dating lives.” From there, the data shows approximately 22% of women are now looking to platonic male companions for advice on potential dates.

Male-Casting

Male archetypes, which date back to the earliest mythologies, appear to be back in a big way. However, it is not always crystal-clear as to what makes up these distinct archetypes. Bumble found that 25% of surveyed males currently feel uncomfortable about fitting into these specific character molds. Perhaps this is due to the fact that masculinity has noticeably evolved over the past few years.

Micro-mance

If you were searching for a term to describe small acts of sweetness or mild romancing, then look no further than “micro-mancing.”

Romance should be somewhere near the core of any dating relationship, but this does not always require the most extravagant gestures. Casual acts of love and romance toward your partner (or “micro-mancing”) can go a long way.

According to Bumble, 37% of women polled claimed that the absence of romance affected their previous relationship in a negative way. From there, the dating site stated that “the majority (86%) of singles surveyed agree that how we show affection has changed to include behaviors like sending memes, a playlist, or sharing inside jokes.”

On The Same Page

Since COVID-19 was introduced to the world, niche social spheres and micro-communities are finally booming again. With that said, having a shared interest or passion can be fantastic fuel for a romantic relationship.

Perhaps you’re into fitness, anime, sports, theatre, literature or all of the above—chances are you might do well with someone who has similar fandoms. “49% of Gen Z singles surveyed agree that geeking out on something together is a form of intimacy,” declares Bumble. Basically, go out there and get involved!