With 2025 well underway, we’re seeing dating questions and content flooding our feeds on Google, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok. In fact the term ‘dating’ alone on TikTok has 540 million posts. Safe to say, meeting one’s match is high on the agenda.
Interestingly, a common theme has risen to the top: daters are yearning for something different – intentionality. They’re determined to break the bad habits of the past and set clear goals for themselves in this shiny new year. No more dillydallying or BS. What does that actually mean? Well, in a nutshell, it translates to people choosing purpose over passivity — knowing what you want and why you want it. Once your goals are clear, distractions lose their power.
Here are three key trends we can expect to see this year as daters focus on more quality over quantity in their love lives.
Three dating trends forecast to be big in 2025
Dating Trend #1: Intentional Dating
We’ve all been there—or watched a friend do it—letting an uncertain situation drag on too long, neglecting our own needs in the process. In 2025, daters will take a stand against that ambiguity. According to Hinge’s latest data, 42% of daters admit they need to set clearer intentions for what they want in dating. Knowing what you want allows you to navigate dating with purpose rather than uncertainty and quickly identify situations that aren’t aligned with your goals
How to set clearer intentions:
Make a plan: Ask yourself, “What am I really looking for?” and “What steps will I take to get there?”
Add your Dating Intentions: The best way to avoid a situationship is to be upfront about what you’re looking for on your profile. You’ll attract people who are looking for the same thing you are. This will help you turn the right people on and the wrong people off!
Be upfront with dates: Let them know what you’re looking for and ask them about their dating intentions. Confirm you are on the same page before moving forward.
How to set clearer intentions:
Make a plan: Ask yourself, “What am I really looking for?” and “What steps will I take to get there?”
Add your Dating Intentions: The best way to avoid a situationship is to be upfront about what you’re looking for on your profile. You’ll attract people who are looking for the same thing you are. This will help you turn the right people on and the wrong people off!
Be upfront with dates: Let them know what you’re looking for and ask them about their dating intentions. Confirm you are on the same page before moving forward.
READ MORE: How To Stop Taking Ghosting Personally
Dating Trend #2: Enjoying The Journey
Intentionality doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way. Your dating journey is as much about uncovering joy in the process as it is about finding your forever person.
Daters want to use dating as an opportunity to explore new hobbies and engage in new activities. In fact, Hinge found that 31% of daters believe planning dates that focus on activities they genuinely enjoy helps them maintain focus and interest.
Not every date will lead to a romantic connection, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the experience of doing something fun and meeting a new person. Focusing on enjoyable activities removes the pressure and shifts the mindset from “What if this doesn’t work out?” to “How can I make this a great time?” Whether it’s a pottery class, a hike, or exploring a new coffee shop, these moments create space for organic connection and shared memories.
How to plan better dates:
Design dates around activities: Instead of going for drinks or coffee, ask yourself if there is anything in your city you’d want to explore on a first date.
Collaborate: Get your match involved. Planning together ensures you’re both excited about the date and helps you stand out.
Let go of outcomes: Remind yourself that even if the date doesn’t lead to love, it wasn’t a waste if you had a new experience and grew.
READ MORE: 12 Energising Valentine’s Date Night Ideas For You And Boo
Dating Trend #3: Goodbye To The Pen Pal
In 2025, lingering chats that go nowhere are officially over, with Hinge’s research showing that three days of chatting is the sweet spot for asking someone out.
Nothing kills a vibe faster than endless texting and daters want to leave that in 2024. Don’t let the momentum burn out. The solution is simple: if you’re feeling a connection, act on it. IRL is where the magic happens.
How to get to the date:
Strike while the iron’s hot: If the conversation is flowing, don’t hesitate to suggest meeting up. It’s also the quickest way to weed out people who aren’t serious about taking things further!
Keep it simple: Suggest a casual first date that’s low-pressure, like a walk in the park or meeting at a local market.
Offer a specific plan they can respond to: One way to do this is to propose a specific day and time for your date. “If you’re as charming in real life as you are over text, we may be onto something. Drinks Thursday? Seven p.m.?” You may have to go back and forth to find a time that works for both of you, but this way, you narrow your options.
This article by Logan Ury was originally published on Women’s Health AUS.
