Dating Trends That Change How We Date in 2025

I think 2025 is bringing something special to the table when it comes to dating. I’m genuinely excited about what I’m seeing in my work as a dating coach. 

Singles are done with superficial small talk and ready to make a deeper, meaningful connection. They are being more intentional about how they are approaching dating. 

The dating scene is shifting in a beautiful way, with people prioritizing authenticity over perfectly curated profiles and meaningful conversations over mindless swiping. And I’m here to show you exactly how to make these new dating trends work for you.

Gone are the days of “let’s see where this goes.” Singles are being direct and transparent about what they are looking for, and I’m here for it! Instead of waiting three months to find out you have completely different views on important life values, singles are discussing it early. This new trend is called: “Loud Looking.”

According to Tinder’s Green Flags study, 70% of people looking for serious relationships are now putting their cards on the table from the start. Honesty is the best policy.

I love this trend because being crystal clear about your non-negotiables is the key to attracting exactly what you want.

That is why it’s so important to make a list of your non-negotiables before you date. I consider this like having a job description before you put the job availability online. Typically, the singles I work with come up with at least 10 to 15 non-negotiables. 

These aren’t superficial things like someone’s height or what car they drive. Instead, they are the values or behaviors you require to be happy in a relationship. Some non-negotiables that often come up with my clients are, “I want someone who has the same faith as me, and I want someone who values family as I do.” 

Then, we worked together to come up with a few open-ended questions to ask about the non-negotiables to screen potential partners. For example:

• “What does spirituality mean to you?”
• “How often do you spend time with your family?” 
• “Do you want to have kids down the road?”

Yes, I know it might feel intense to ask these types of questions at first, but wouldn’t you rather know if you’re compatible before getting emotionally invested?

I personally believe in “like attracts like. It’s time to get “loud” about what you want. There were so many times I went on dates and pretended to play the “cool girl.” I was too scared to state what I was looking for in a relationship. All that did was lead me to attract the wrong kind of relationships. 

Do you know why it is so important to have these hard discussions? Because being upfront with what you want will work as a filtering system to weed out potential relationships that aren’t a good fit. I truly believe vulnerability is the secret that creates quality connections.

So, if you want a long-term relationship, say it. If you are looking for a “just for fun,” own it. Trust me. Being upfront might feel a little scary, but it saves everyone time and emotional energy in the long run. 

Romance is making a comeback, but not in the typical way you might think. Forget those days of over-the-top ways to show your affection to someone you just started dating. Instead, we’re seeing a trend of something way more authentic in the world of dating. It’s called “micro-mance” (cute, right?).

Here’s what’s fascinating: In a survey by Bumble, over half of women still consider themselves romantics (I definitely fall into that category!), but one-third are saying there is a lack of romance in their dating experience.

Do you want to know what counts as romantic these days? It’s not about love bomby style grand gestures. Instead, it’s those little and thoughtful moments that make you smile. You know, when someone remembers your favorite song and sends you a text saying this made me think of you or sending that perfect meme that makes them laugh after a rough day.

Those inside jokes that only the two of you understand? These little gestures show you are paying attention. It’s pure gold. In fact, Bumble found that 86% of daters say these small acts mean way more than those big, showy displays.

I know it used to be taboo to discuss certain topics on the first few dates. You’ve probably heard the advice before: don’t talk about politics or your financial situation. Well, that is not the case anymore. Finding love in 2025 isn’t just about talking to someone with similar interests, TV shows, or hobbies. 

Yes, I agree that keeping things light at first is an important part of breaking the ice. However, the conversation has to move to something more meaningful, or the connection will start fizzling out and turn into a snooze fest. 

We’re leaving the days of superficial conversations. In fact, the new trend is to discuss serious topics that make a relationship work. Singles are getting smart about building relationships that can actually last, and I’m loving this shift!

Here’s something interesting: Bumble found that 95% of singles have important things on their mind. They worry about the big stuff that matters in relationships.

They want to discuss their beliefs around financial security, job goals, housing situation, and even political views. The reason these conversations are so important is that when two people align in these areas, it can tremendously help reduce conflict in a relationship. Couples should see eye to eye with their basic core values.

As a dating coach, I can tell you that almost every single person I speak with tells me they are looking for stability first and foremost. They want someone who is reliable and responsible. Someone they can count on when things go wrong. Of course, they are ready to be the same great partner to those who want to build a relationship with them as well. 

If you think about it, why waste months dating someone only to find out they have completely different views on saving money or handling life’s challenges? That’s why singles aren’t afraid to discuss these hard topics upfront. And I mean ALL of it.

I’ve worked with many singles who dismissed someone because a person didn’t fit their “good on paper” checklist. Maybe they were an inch shorter than your ideal height or had a weird, quirky habit of giving everyone nicknames.

This was one of my client’s biggest mistakes! She wanted someone with a college degree, assuming the person would be ambitious.

I asked her to step out of her comfort zone and “stICK” it out and date all types, focusing more on the value of ambition rather than screening everyone out who didn’t have a college degree. She soon discovered that having a college degree didn’t correlate to someone ambitious.

In fact, the guys she met who had a degree weren’t the most ambitious people. She ended up falling in love with a very successful entrepreneur who dropped out of college to pursue his passions. She discovered his drive was sexier than a college degree.

This is why the new “stICKing” trend is so great! It’s giving people a chance to shine outside of labels or even their quirks. Finding ways to look past the “good on paper” part (moving through the “ICK”) and “stICKing” it out to see if a connection develops.

Here’s what I discovered: those quirks most might have considered turn-offs? They often end up being the things people love most about a person.

Listen, I’m not telling you to settle or lower your standards. No, I actually want you to raise them where it matters. It is easy to get hung up on whether someone fits your “good-on-paper” criteria, but you’re looking for the stuff that makes relationships last.

You need to pay attention to how they handle tough conversations, whether they’re emotionally available, and if your core values actually align with theirs.

“I truly believe vulnerability is the secret that creates quality connections.”

I’ve found that people who embrace this approach are much happier and have more satisfying relationships. The reason this makes such a big difference is because when you stop trying to find someone who checks all your superficial boxes and start looking for a genuine connection, something magical happens… you find someone who’s perfectly imperfect for you.

To me, 2025 dating trends seem to have one thing in common…authenticity. 

Stop worrying about scaring someone off by asking about their life goals or bringing up topics that actually matter. Trust me, the right person won’t run when you bring up your thoughts on family values or your five-year plan – they’ll lean in and share their own. 

Here’s what I know: being genuine, having those deeper conversations, and showing up as your authentic self isn’t just a trend. It’s how real connections are made.