After a year of redefining what dating looks like, research from over 40,000 Gen Z and millennial Bumble members worldwide* has revealed that while dating is evolving, modern daters still feel optimistic in their search for love.
Our 2024 trends saw people rejecting perfection, discarding outdated dating timelines, and valuing emotional vulnerability and shared values. Looking ahead, 2025 is expected to be a transitional year: expectations are changing, with nearly 2 in 3 (64%) women respondents getting clear about what they want and need, and refusing to settle for less.
Survey results indicate that in 2024, 87% of Bumble members are thriving in their dating lives—connecting with new people, boosting their confidence, and honing in on what they really want in a partner. As we move into 2025, our research shows that singles are also focused on romance, transparency, and relying on their social circles to help them navigate the dating landscape. We’re seeing women confidently saying what they want and drawing their lines. If you’re curious about the dating trends in 2025, check out the data below to see our predictions.
Micro-mance
From embracing the cringe and PDA to celebrating rom-coms and the joy of meet-cutes, romance is making a comeback in 2025: over half (52%) of women surveyed globally are self-proclaimed romantics who LOVE love, and for 1 in 3 (37%) women respondents, a lack of romance has had a negative impact on their dating experiences. It’s clear that people want romance, but instead of grand gestures, they’re embracing it through micro-mance (simple gestures that show you care). In fact, 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 Bumble, ‘The quickest way to my heart is’ is one of the top prompts globally, showing that micro-mance is already alive and well on the app.
DWM (Date With Me)
From dating GRWM videos to live-streamed breakups, post-date debriefs, hard launches, and dating wrapped, dating has turned into our new favorite reality show. Our research shows that being authentically you will become top-of-mind in 2025, with 2 in 5 (41%) singles surveyed celebrating dating and relationship content that shows the highs and the lows. 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. These relatable dating stories resonate with singles, with 1 in 3 (35%) respondents saying that realistic, positive dating content makes them feel hopeful about their own love lives—proving that what matters most is authenticity.
On The Same (Fan) Page
In 2024, sports took the spotlight, but we’re also seeing a rise in micro-communities—like book clubs and run clubs—plus fandoms and niche interests taking over our social feeds. Our data shows that it’s changing who we date and how we connect, with nearly 46% of singles surveyed saying unique and quirky interests are key to attraction. Yep, getting involved in activities and social communities can make you more appealing to potential partners. For 1 in 2 women (50%) surveyed, being true to themselves while dating means leaning into their passions and interests. In fact, half (49%) of Gen Z singles surveyed agree that geeking out on something together is a form of intimacy. That’s why we’ve rolled out over 30 new Interest Badges, like trivia, thrifting, cold plunging, crocheting, and house plants, to celebrate the diverse passions of our global community. You can also now filter by your chosen interests on the app, making it easier to find someone who likes what you like.
Male-Casting
From “babygirl” to men in finance, and the return of the hunk, male archetypes have taken off in pop culture. And there’s been a lot of talk about what makes up those ideal (or not-so-ideal) traits, too. 1 in 3 (33%) respondents agree that this year, there have been more conversations on male stereotypes than ever before. But are these narratives actually helpful? 1 in 4 (27%) men surveyed say they feel uncomfortable about these tropes because they can lead to people making assumptions about their character. As we head into 2025, over half of women (53%) surveyed agree that the conversations around masculinity need to evolve to allow men to define what positive masculinity looks like.
Future-Proofing
Our research shows that uncertainty about the future—like finances, job security, housing, and climate change—is influencing our love lives, with 95% of singles surveyed saying that their worries about the future are impacting who and how they date. Our data shows that a majority (59%) of women respondents want a partner who brings emotional stability—someone who’s emotionally dependable, steady, and knows what they want in life. Looking ahead, singles can expect these conversations to be top of mind from the get-go, with 1 in 4 (27%) women pushing these topics to be discussed earlier than before. After all, it’s easier to enjoy the dating experience when you know you’re on the same page about what’s ahead.
Guys That Get It
From the group chats to pre-and post-date hype, when it comes to dating, there is a new friend filter ascending: the rise of the guy best friend. Nearly a third (31%) of single women surveyed say they are more open with their male friends than they used to be about their dating lives. Among women, 1 in 5 (22%) respondents now ask their male friends to vet potential dates, and a majority (54%) rely on the men in their lives to offer honest insights into men’s dating behavior.
Our data shows that whether our members are looking for something casual, something serious, or something in between, stability, shared interests, and transparency are becoming big priorities for singles. With niche communities and personal interests shaking up the dating scene, those straight-up talks about the future are becoming non-negotiable. Today’s daters want conversations that feel authentic, making “keeping it real” the unofficial motto of 2025.
To learn more about Bumble’s 2025 dating trend predictions in your country, click here. You can also stream our 2025 Dating Trends playlist—made for all dating highs, lows, and everything in between.
*Research was conducted by Bumble using internal polling from September 19 to 23, 2024, with a sample of 41,294 Bumble members aged 18 to 35 worldwide.
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