Popular dating trends revealed: Experts claim singles are more ‘authentic’
A survey of 1,500 actively dating adults identified nine trends that will emerge in the coming year, including “No-Habiting”: when you choose to wait longer to move in together because you value your personal space.
Whereas with “Swamping” you find someone with whom you can comfortably share your “swamp” and let go of the pressure to be anything other than your true, authentic self.
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Also ‘Fiscal attraction’, ‘Digital expression’ and ‘Fine-wining’ were among the new dating trends that emerged.
The research was commissioned by dating app Plenty of Fish to publish its 8th annual dating trends list, helping to define the experiences of singles in the UK.
The research also found that 67 percent of people prioritize self-care (also known as “Rejuve-dating”) after a relationship ends to fully embrace the next steps in their dating journey.
More than seven in ten (71 percent) focus on their wellbeing, while 63 percent use the time to reflect on their past experiences.
53 percent believe that failed relationships make them stronger.
Eva Gallagher, dating expert at Plenty of Fish, said: “This year’s trends highlight the increasing impact that society and pop culture have on singles’ dating experiences.
Trends such as ‘Swamping’ are making British daters more confident in their own authenticity and expecting the same from potential partners.
‘Rejuve Dating’ demonstrates self-awareness and a shared optimism for the future of their dating life.
“Singles prioritize meaningful relationships and are open and honest about what they are looking for. That is exactly what we encourage.”
The report also found that it takes an average of five dates before someone feels comfortable dressing a little more casually around a new partner.
83 percent prefer to feel comfortable when they are with their partner rather than dress impressively.
Visiting cultural hotspots (30 percent), picnicking in parks (40 percent) and exploring free-entry museums or galleries (31 percent) were the most popular choices when it comes to cheap dates.
But 81 percent opt for an affordable option, while 70 percent admit that the impact of the cost of living crisis is contributing to their new ways of romancing.
When looking for a date, 66 percent hope to find someone who is “good looking” and 38 percent admit to being attracted to someone who understands finances.
Once they are in a new relationship, 83 percent of respondents via OnePoll.com would like to wait a while before moving in together.
While 51 percent choose to prioritize their personal space.
Comedian Grace Campbell, who teamed up with Plenty of Fish to launch the dating trends and share her advice for British singles, said: “I know a lot of British singles will relate to these must-read dating trends for 2025, because I certainly can.
“From ‘No-habiting’ because my own space is so important to a bit of ‘Fiscal Attraction’ because I’m tired of dates being intimidated by my ambitions; they reflect our shared experiences as daters on our quest for love.
“Whatever your dating goals or expectations, these trends—and a little advice from me—will inspire you to date in a way that suits your own needs, just like I do.”
Top Dating Trends of 2025:
- Swamping: When you find someone with whom you can comfortably share your ‘swamp’ and let go of the pressure to be anything other than your true, authentic self.
- Non-living: When you decide to wait longer before living together with your partner, because you value your personal space.
- Fiscal attractiveness: When you do not settle for less and are looking for a partner who is financially stable and who you find attractive.
- Rejuve Dating: When you leave the blues behind and learn from past experiences so you can fully embrace the future of your dating adventure.
- Thrift-matized: If you like going on dates, but you’re on the right track between frugal and cheap. Hidden gems, loyalty cards – these are all your type on paper.
- Loud dating: get straight to the point, be open and to the point about what you want so you don’t waste your time.
- Marmalade: When you literally put your other half ‘above everything’, similar to Britain’s most beloved bear’s penchant for marmalade.
- Digital Expression: The phase after a breakup where you’re done grieving and share on social media how you’re doing so you can confidently date again.
- Fine-wining: Proactively seeking out people to date who are older than you and who have matured like a fine wine.
