Ahh, to be single and ready to mingle in 2024… It truly is an experience that coupled-up folks have absolutely no idea about.
But hey, it adds character and life always feels like an adventure, right!?
As we enter the last quarter of the year, we have to look ahead—beyond the horizon. See that there? That’s our brand new list of dating trends for the upcoming year.
And singles, you’re in luck!
“This year’s dating trends showcase how our romantic lives can take cues from pop culture, and it’s always fun to see how in turn, they can help validate shared dating experiences,” Dating Expert at Plenty of Fish, Rachel DeAlto, explains. “When we put less pressure on ourselves, dating becomes more about having fun and enjoying new experiences—and we want more of that for singles!”.
That we do, Rachel, that we do!
2024 brought us Rizz-Colored Glasses and Canon-Bailing.
In our 8th edition of annual dating trends, find out what made the top 5 for 2025—from feeling Smutten to Grim Keeping.
Smutten (smuh-tin): When singles fantasize about the storylines of romantic TV shows, movies, or books becoming their reality.
Use case: I’m so Smutten over my doctor. He looks just like the perfect combo of McDreamy and McSteamy!
Well-written romance novels and steamy shows are all the rage right now. And just look at all of the Hallmark movies out right now!
People crave escapism, but also, the characters can also be decent models for partners. 33% of singles have fantasized about these ideals; even higher for women at 40% compared to 28% of men.
And who doesn’t love the popular tropes often portrayed; friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, forbidden love… Swoon!
Though it is completely normal (whatever normal means) to fantasize and use your imagination, placing huge expectations on someone to act a certain way is unhealthy and unfair—to you and them.
Play nicely, lovers!
Freak Matching (frēk ma-ching): Connecting with someone over shared quirks, eccentricities, unique interests, or general “weirdness”.
Use case: When I find someone as weird as me, I’ll know they’re my Freak Matching soulmate.
Answering the question, “Is somebody gonna match my freak?”, with a resounding, “Yes!”? We’re here for it.
39% of singles have been lucky enough to experience this level of closeness with someone. All we’ve gotta say is we really appreciate Tinashe for bringing this global hot topic to our attention.
Yap-Trapping (yap-trap-ping): When someone only talks about themselves and doesn’t make the effort to balance the give-and-take in a conversation—completely inun-dating their partners (pun intended!).
Use case: No, dude, they never asked one question about me or let me talk. They were Yap-Trapping me left, right, and center!
Look, we’re not here to call out the yappers. We all love a good yap sesh. But that requires all parties involved to actually be involved and have a say.
We’re sad to report that almost half (49%) of singles have been on a date with someone who never asked them any personal questions.
For these people, we suggest other things, like becoming a comedian, public speaker, politician, or any other scenario where it’s acceptable to only speak at someone. Tysm.
StICKing (stik-ing): Looking past an initial “ick” and pursuing someone romantically, despite any superficial oddities (e.g. fashion sense, hairstyle, etc.) when you wouldn’t normally.
Use case: Normally, I’d write someone off for wearing socks and sandals outside of their home. But, I’m trying to rise above—I’m StICKing with them for at least a second date.
We’ve all been there where our icks have icked way too far. But that was so 2024.
2025 is about choosing to stICK, instead of running away from the ick—just like 36% of brave daters who didn’t let their icks get in the way of a good connection.
Hellooo, emotional maturity! Dang, it looks great on you.
Grim Keeping (grim kēp-ing): Bonding with someone over your “darker side” or shared dislikes.
Use case: You know how dark my humour gets? Well, they completely matched it! There was some serious Grim Keeping going on.
We don’t love being negative, but sometimes there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned rant to get your true thoughts and feelings out.
And when someone continues to nod in agreement and shares similar gripes? Ooohh you know it’s a match made in heaven.
Grim Keeping is essentially about coming together over things that rub you the wrong way and forming a deeper connection. 28% of singles have experienced deepening a bond over being grim. That’s dark (said in a Paris Hilton “That’s hot” voice).
Watch out for our top 5 dating trends in 2025 and don’t forget to share your dating stories in the comments or on Instagram, X, and Facebook using #DatingTrends and #PlentyofFish!
Here are a few UK specific dating trends from our friends across the pond:
- No-habiting: Choosing not to live with your partner because you value your personal space and want to allow your relationship the space to grow.
- Fiscal Attraction: When you won’t settle for less and you’re seeking a match who is financially secure and who you find attractive.
- Facing Your F-eras: Following in the footsteps of the Swifties leader, this is when you cast away the blues and grow from past experiences so you can fully embrace the future of your dating journey.
- Swamping: When you find someone who you can comfortably share your ‘swamp’ with and let go of the pressure to be anything but your true authentic self.
- Loud-dating: Cutting to the chase, being open and to the point with what you want so you don’t waste your time.
- Marmalading: When you literally put your other half ‘before anything else’, much like Britain’s most beloved bear’s love for marmalade.
- Thirst-trapping / RIP-start: The stage after a break-up when you are done grieving and turn to social media to share how you are healing to confidently get back out on the dating scene.
- Thrift-dating: When you like to go on dates but hit that sweet spot between being cheap and frugal. Hidden gems, loyalty cards – these are all your type on paper.
- Hobby-horsing: Picking up a new hobby to impress your date because you know they have an interest in it.
- Fine-wining: Proactively finding people to date who are older than you and who’ve aged just like a fine wine.
