What Is Dry Dating: How This New Trend Is Impacting Date Nights

Many first dates take place at a bar where the casual atmosphere encourages casual conversation over drinks. Some say after a couple of shots of tequila, their first-date jitters die down. Some daters feel comfortable letting their guard down after a drink, and the alcohol carries the night for them.

But what happens when you live a sober lifestyle?

That’s where dry dating comes in. Dry dating has grown in popularity as singles start to see the benefits of making more genuine connections without the influence of alcohol. As we all know, alcohol can inhibit good judgment and alter how someone behaves. 

Dry dating is certainly the safer strategy for first dates. Throughout this article, we’ll explore dry dating and how it may impact dating experiences.

While dry dating is not a new term, it has gained more attention recently. Dry dating simply is taking a moment to build connections without the influence of drinking. Sober daters make this choice for personal growth, health, or spiritual reasons. 

In many cases, dry dating offers a healthier and more intentional way to get to know someone. People often say that dry dating allows them to be their authentic selves and gain a better understanding of their dates. 

Success Stories from Dry Dates

During my college years, dating consisted of going out to a bar for a drink or catching margarita deals on Tuesdays. As I got older, I decided to give dry dating a try for personal reasons. And I’m happy I did. It was eye-opening and gave me a major confidence boost.

Similarly, many other singles shared that staying sober on dates isn’t all that bad. They see the value a sober lifestyle. 

“I rarely drink so 99% of my dates don’t involve alcohol. The vibe or date has never been ruined due to lack of alcohol,” said a Reddit user in a testimonial. “You gotta learn to be comfortable and have fun without it.”

That’s the key! A lot of people heavily rely on alcohol because they’re afraid the date won’t be fun — but that’s not the truth. 

“The vibe or date has never been ruined due to lack of alcohol.” —Reddit user

A sober date can be just as fun — or even more fun — as drinking-based dates. The whole purpose of the date is to get to know someone and see if there’s a spark, but a lot of singles can lose sight of that once they’re under the influence. Choosing to stay sober can be life-changing. 

“I haven’t had that much fun on a date, maybe ever? And a sober first date kiss! I’m so proud of myself for going out of my comfort zone. And I get to remember it all and know it was genuine & not booze-fueled sweet nothings,” shared a Reddit user in a testimonial. 

A Post-Covid Shift

As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a lot of changes. Since COVID, singles have started to become more health-conscious and mindful, which has ultimately resulted in the popularity of dry dating. 

After COVID-19, many people focused on their mental health and set drinking aside. 

During a time when things were uncertain, it felt promising to go on a date sober, knowing you’re in your right mind. Daters started to consider the impact on their health, finances, and mental clarity. 

As people started to navigate to a healthier lifestyle, their dating choices shifted. Post-COVID singles saw the benefit of being intentional with their dating life and making choices that supported their happiness and health.

Eliminating alcohol from the date not only helps people stay unimpaired, but it can also keep them on track with their physical goals. 

Also, alcoholic drinks are expensive when you’re out. One drink after another on a date can start to add up and get pretty pricey. Dry dating provides a more budget-friendly option for singles looking to save a penny where they can. 

A sober lifestyle is a choice that can be rather beneficial. Most find a sober lifestyle deeply personal, as each person has their own reasons for being sober. Regardless of the reason, dry dating is a refreshing way to experience dating and get to know others. 

Health and Wellness Consciousness 

It’s safe to say that people are becoming more mindful of their mental and physical health and associating a dry dating lifestyle with self-care. This is spot on because dry dating fosters a healthier and more intentional approach to connecting with others.

Finding ways to improve your overall well-being is key to self-care, and choosing sobriety is never a bad idea.

Being mindful while dating means being fully present in the moment. Your phone is out of sight. Your focus is on the person in front of you. You’re fully there and active in the conversation.

Without alcohol clouding judgment, singles can be more attuned to their emotions and pick up on social cues from their date, such as body language. 

Fostering Authentic Connections 

As I mentioned earlier, one of the main benefits of dry dating is that singles get to build genuine connections without the influence of alcohol.

When you remove cocktails and shots from the dating equation, the focus shifts to creating conversations that bring out personality and fun in an authentic way. People are more likely to get to know one another without any distractions or skewed perceptions. 

I often find it’s easier to communicate openly and honestly when drinks aren’t involved. Dry dating encourages clearer communication and can prevent miscommunications or misunderstandings that might arise when people are under the influence.

Avoiding Alcohol-Related Issues 

Dry dating doesn’t just exist because people prefer not to drink. Sometimes it’s not as simple as that. Some singles avoid drinking due to concerns about alcohol abuse, addiction, and its impact on relationships. For many people, dry dating is a supportive approach that helps them maintain their sobriety. 

There was a time when people with a history of alcohol abuse found dating and going out impossible because the temptation to drink was everywhere — everyone is drinking! However, with dry dating, it’s easier for people in recovery to have a safe, fun experience away from temptation. 

A dry date starts with picking the right spot for the date. You don’t just have to sit in a room talking. Plenty of date spots make dry dating a good time. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a scenic hike, or a visit to a local museum, there’s no shortage of places where meaningful conversations and lasting memories can be made with dry dating.

Dinner Dates

Food is always good for dates — I mean, who doesn’t like food? With the right ambiance and menu, a dinner date offers the perfect romantic evening to get to know someone. And the best part is that you can always order mocktails!

Most restaurants offer non-alcoholic beverages that are still delicious to sip while talking to your date. 

If you’re at home, you can make fruity concoctions of your own and create a menu that appeals to your tastes. This is a good option for third or fourth dates, not first dates.

Outdoor Adventures 

Choosing alcohol-free places is a good idea when you’re dry dating, which is why outdoor adventures are such great options to explore. Activities such as hiking, biking, and scenic walks are the perfect alcohol-free date options. 

Outdoor activities offer something exciting and fun that bars and restaurants can’t always provide. Daters enjoy a natural, stress-free vibe where the focus is solely on the activity and the connection. There’s no pressure to drink or conform to social expectations.

Coffee Dates 

Coffee dates are great! They’re the perfect first date option because they’re casual and offer plenty of opportunities to socialize. Plus, there’s so many menu options to try! 

Usually, people think of a coffee shop as just a place to work or study, but they are so much more than that. The ambiance and delicious drinks make it a first-date winner. 

Local cafés and tea houses are super comfy for a refreshing conversation. This reduces the anxiety of first introductions and is an ideal way to bond over shared tastes without distractions. Also, most coffee shops don’t sell alcohol, which is great for those who don’t want to compromise their sobriety. 

Creative and Cultural Activities

As a creative myself, I absolutely love dates that involve a creative element. Whether that’s going to an art gallery, a cooking class, or even a pottery workshop, these date options are great for those looking to move beyond the typical bar scene and build a connection through a fun activity. 

Active Date Ideas

Although it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, active dates are excellent for dry dating. Fitness classes, bowling, or trivia nights bring people together in a special way. As a bonus, it’s a great way to learn more about each other’s physical skills and interests.

As the world continues to evolve, so will the way people date. Dry dating has had a significant impact on date nights and opened people’s eyes to how they can explore dating without using alcohol as a crutch. 

Changing Social Dynamics

Dry dating shifts the tone of a date night. There was a time when singles felt pressured into drinking on dates. But now that things are changing, the pressure to drink has slowly died down.

When you’re committed to staying sober, the focus moves away from alcohol and toward getting to know the person in front of you. People don’t have to go along with the bar scene and can step outside the box. They may frequent fewer bars and clubs and more cafés and parks. 

Positive Effects on Relationships

Confidence is central to dating success, and that’s something you get from staying sober and building conversational skills.

Building a relationship without relying on alcohol creates a stronger and more meaningful connection. Getting to know a person should be intentional. When you put in the effort, you find long-lasting relationships because you took the time to get to know them. 

Potential Challenges or Criticisms

Dry dating has its fair share of detractors who argue against its merits. Some people perceive dry dates as less fun and not romantic. Overcoming social stigmas associated with non-drinking may feel like a lonely journey, but plenty of online resources and people can support you along the way. 

It’s normal to feel like you’re missing out on dating when you don’t have a drink in your hand, but that’s just because of all the outside noise.

FOMO can make people question dry dating, but individuals need to remain true to their values and what they want out of dating to get the best experience. 

I don’t foresee dry dating going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see dry dating become mainstream as singles recognize its positive impact on their love lives.

People are already becoming more aware of the negative impacts of alcohol consumption. I’d say there is a growing demand for social venues to serve mocktails and support alcohol-free fun. That’s great news for those of us who enjoy the fruity concoctions of juice bars.

Dry dating is reshaping relationships in the best possible way. Singles now have a choice to partake in sober dates without pressure or stigma. Thankfully, a community of dry daters exists to help more people feel comfortable choosing if and when to drink.