2023 is right around the corner, can you believe it? Nope, we can’t either! With every new year, comes new dating trends to look out for and Plenty of Fish has identified all the “verified” trends that will make an appearance in the year ahead. Sit back, relax and read on because next year is all about YOU and your Main Character Energy.
2022 may have been all about BDE (Yes, Big D*ck Energy) but 2023 is all about MCE!
Main Character Energy (mayn ker-ik-ter en-er-jee): Focusing on yourself instead of wasting time on people who don’t meet your standards or needs. 49% of singles say they have made a recent active change to put themselves first, and 32% of single men have been rejected by someone because their potential date wanted to just “focus on themselves”.
Use Case: Come January 1st, I’m going to unleash my MCE and not settle for anything less than I deserve!
Throughout the last few years, it has become increasingly obvious that our mother Earth needs some serious TLC and singles 100% agree. Not being environmentally conscious has become a dealbreaker for many.
Eco-Dumping (eek-oh duhmp-ing): Dating (or dumping) someone based on how environmentally conscious they are. Conflicting opinions on environmental topics can be just as big of a deal-breaker as someone with poor communication skills – in fact, nearly one in five singles know someone who has dumped someone because their views on climate change and the environment didn’t align.
Use Case: OMG this guy I was on a date with doesn’t believe in recycling; his garbage can was overflowing with plastic bottles so I eco-dumped him on the spot”
This year brought on some of the worst heat waves we’ve ever seen around the globe and singles were seeking cover and comfort in those who had ways to cool off.
Heat Doming (heet dohm-ing): Dating someone specifically for their household amenities. With record breaking temperatures and heat waves in 2022, it’s no surprise that 20% of singles have experienced someone wanting to date them to access their household amenities such as air conditioning, pool, comfy mattress, etc. Additionally, 30% of Millennials and Gen Z know someone who has dated someone for their amenities.
Use Case: I’m going to heat dome with Lindsey tonight, she’s got the AC pumping and a seriously comfy king size mattress.
How many times did you go to the grocery store this year and walk out because the grapes were $20/lb. It is evident that inflation has taken a toll on all of us but singles are still finding some great ways to date and have decided to stick with cheaper date ideas like coffee & a walk, which we think is perfectly fine for getting to know someone!
Infla-Dating (in-fla-dayt-ing): Going on less expensive dates due to inflation and the current economic environment. Rising prices are affecting all aspects of our lives – including dating. Nearly half (48%) of single Millennials & Gen-Z have suggested going on a less expensive, budget-friendly date.
Use Case: I had to buy groceries this week, do you mind if we go infladating and walk along the seawall instead of going for dinner?
Nasa’s telescope isn’t the only thing uncovering hidden gems, Bennifer is too! The Hollywood couple that we all know and love re-focussed and clearly saw each other in a new light, choosing to rekindle their early 2000’s relationship.
James-Webbing (jeymz-web-ing): Deciding to date someone after seeing them through a different lens. Singles are giving potential partners a closer look, with 54% saying they’ve decided to date someone after getting to know them better and seeing them in a new light.
Use Case: I saw my ex the other night and holy, I forgot how much we had in common. I think I’m James Webbing them now because I can’t stop thinking about them.
We’re all guilty of the last and final dating trend on this list which Plenty of Fish has coined “OnlyPlans.” Yup you guessed it, this is when you repeatedly make plans with someone and never follow through. Life can certainly get busy and dating can feel like a task at times, but it’s important to ease the pressure on yourself, make more quality plans and stick to them.
OnlyPlans (ohn-lee plans): Repeatedly planning dates with someone, but never actually following through on them. Whether it’s a last minute “work emergency,” a sudden need to babysit a friend’s pet or the classic, “too much traffic,” 52% of singles have experienced this situation. If only singles could monetize some of these excuses…
Use Case: “LOL, me and this guy have made onlyplans for three straight weeks and each of us has bailed last minute”
That’s a wrap on this year’s Plenty of Fish dating trends! What dating trends have you experienced and can you relate to any of these terms above? Comment below with your best stories!
