The Gen Z Dating Dictionary

By Sanchia Saunders

The Shift in Romantic Ideals

How Generation-Z has made old school dating become old cool dating. Love is something that presents itself in many forms, and once upon a time, it would have been displayed through the almost nostalgic idea of tying the knot in an elaborate white wedding.

Gen Z's Approach to Traditional Relationships

However, instead of saying ‘I do’, many Gen Z’s are now opting to say ‘I do not’ when it comes to the traditional formalities of love and dating. According to a 2023 blog by Thriving Centre of Psychology, ‘Wedding bells aren’t ringing as much nowadays’. As reports state that a staggering 85% of Gen Z and Millennials do not think marriage is necessary to have a fulfilled and committed relationship.

Rapid Cohabitation Among Young Couples

With a further 60% of people moving in after dating a year or less, which suggests that the younger generation is having a very large revamp when it comes to love, and the way in which people are finding it. This is making headlines and causing quite the stir, as an article by The Atlantic states that a huge ideological rift is opening up between young men and women—if attitudes don’t shift, a political dating mismatch will threaten marriage.

Who is Generation Z?

So who really is Gen Z? And why do they have such an acquired approach when it comes to dating? Generation Z, who the Oxford Dictionary describes as, ‘The group of people who were born in the late 1990s and early 2000s’, are arguably the new kids on the block. And there is no doubt about it when it comes to them leaving their mark on the world, as we once knew it.

Redefining Dating Norms

However, when it comes to love, it looks like Gen Z is taking the reins, and coming in like a wrecking ball, all guns blazing. As the traditional more rigid dating structures which were once in place when it came to: monogamy, race, ethics, and sexual orientation are now all out the window, and instead a more fluid approach has been taken. Allowing this generation's daters to be spoiled for choice, when it comes to finding their match.

The Decline of Digital Dating Among Gen Z

According to an article by Mail Online, Bumble may have to lay off 30% of its workforce after failing to entice Gen Z users - as studies show eight in ten college students NEVER use apps and prefer to meet partners the traditional way. Therefore, with dating apps arguably on the decline amongst this generation however being the leading dating medium going forward, it could mean that Gen Z is having challenges with digital intimacy.

Overcoming the Challenges of Digital Dating

Statistics from Hinge have begun to touch on these challenges as, In Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) report, many Gen Z daters cite fear of rejection and being cringe amongst their top concerns, when it comes to dating.

The Resurgence of Experience-Based Dating

However, the challenges that are cropping up with digital intimacy may be turning the younger generations' heads. This is why a more traditional approach to dating could be what Gen Z is opting for, as it could finally give them the whole package of sugar, spice, and everything nice. Instead of meaningless hookups, experience and connection could be trumping the old dating traits Gen Z once had, and this could all be down to the pandemic.

The Future of Dating Apps: Adapting to Gen Z's Needs

Fortunately for me, I was able to find love online and this is why I feel dating apps could definitely get behind this and use this shift to their advantage. By adding new features to their apps that allow people to connect on a more in-depth level, could see a rise in Gen Z users in the online dating world.