There aren’t many things that I consider equally as frustrating and draining as they are exciting and rewarding, but dating is, without a doubt, at the top of that list. Because of this, it’s not surprising to me that we saw plenty of people take a dating hiatus, take themselves out on more solo dates, and date differently altogether (looking at you, dawn dating) in 2023. Looking ahead to what’s next for dating trends, Bumble says that 2024 is set to be the “year of self” with more people looking inward at what they value and want out of a partnership—because if they’re going to take on the triumph that is dating, they want it to be worth it. Singles are going to be dating more intentionally, be more willing to put themselves out there, and be looking for people who align with the goals they set for themselves in 2024.
With the new year in full swing, dating trends for 2024 are here—and because of the shift we are seeing in singles advocating for themselves and their dreams as they make their way into relationships, they’ve got a whole new perspective that might just make 2024 the best year for dating we’ve seen in a long time. Let’s dive in:
Single people are starting to “vision board” date
If you’ve been thinking about what it would be like to move to a new city and meet new people, you’re not alone. In fact, this is so common that in 2024, singles plan to adjust their dating app location to somewhere they’re considering moving to. Coined “Vision Board Dating” by Plenty of Fish, singles are working on bringing their vision boards to life through their dating experiences.
For example, if moving to a new city for your career or just a fresh start is on your vision board for 2024, adjust your dating app location to see singles in a few of the new places you are considering (to keep things from getting too complicated, narrow it down to 1-2 cities). If you meet someone through an app, take this as an opportunity to book a trip, explore your potential new home, and meet a few people IRL. If those dates don’t work out, don’t sweat it. You’ll still be able to get a good idea of the place you’re interested in and even end up with a few friends along the way.
So if you’re dreaming about long romantic strolls through Central Park but you live in the Midwest, or if you’d love to spend more time with a new partner by the beach but you live where it snows eight months out of the year, try this trend out. You never know where (or with whom) you’ll end up!
More people are considering hard-launch dating
Our favorite hard launch of 2023 was obviously Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and with hard launches on the rise, we’re expecting to see even more shocking couplings next year. We’re even anxiously awaiting to see who is going to partake in hard-launch dating. The difference? The hard launch we have gotten accustomed to seeing is the announcement of a relationship, but hard-launch dating is when you openly express that you’re starting to date again. Singles have spent the last year or more dating themselves, but now, they are ready to find a partner, and they aren’t ashamed to admit they want that.
If this resonates with you, resident relationship expert at Match Group’s Chispa and licensed therapist Gabi Reyes shared this tip to encourage your endeavor: If the people you know and love know you’re single and ready to mingle, they’ll be more likely to think of you when their cute friend mentions that they’re single and dating or when they are loving a new dating app! Go ahead and hard launch your dating plans and let the people you know help you find the one.
Singles are loving others with “rizz”
I am always humbled when I hear a new-to-me word, have no idea what it means, and learn that Gen-Z coined it. Rizz was one of those words for me, but it wasn’t soon after I understood the definition (short for “charisma,” it simply means the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner, according to Oxford) that I realized it was making a big wave—in people’s vocabularies and their dating lives. In 2024, singles are on the prowl for people with rizz. According to Plenty of Fish, 52 percent of all singles consider it to be an attractive quality, and 43 percent of people admit to falling for someone because of their rizz.
Ttake this as a sign to get out of your shell a little and show off your personality! For example, don’t hold back your sense of humor when you’re around new people or try a new hobby, and don’t be afraid to laugh it off when you make a fool of yourself the first time you do it. Stepping out of your comfort zone and showing that you’re not afraid to be authentically yourself will go a long way in showing others you have rizz.
Fewer people are putting up with ghosting
I can’t believe it took us this long to get here, but we are finally putting our foot down about ghosting. To do that, we are “bringing ghosts back to life” in 2024, according to Reyes. But let’s not get it twisted: We’re not resurrecting them because we care to date them anymore—we are putting an end to their lazy attempt at ending things. Instead of getting ghosted, singles are now armed with responses to actually end things the mature way. If you suspect you’re getting ghosted, don’t let it linger. Have a note on your phone with responses to send to end it maturely.
You can start the text by saying something like, “Are you trapped under something heavy? Should I send help?” or “I’m no ghost hunter, but I think I found one” to keep it light, but let them know their ignoring of you is not going unnoticed. Then, finish the text by saying something along the lines of, “It was nice getting to know you, but this isn’t working for me! I wish you well,” or “I had a great time getting drinks the other night, but I don’t see this going anywhere. Good luck with everything!” Put the power back in your own hands and amicably end things.
Singles are raising their standards—thanks to their favorite books
Whether you’re a fan of a sweet, wholesome romance or you’re addicted to spicy BookTok, you might be wondering where in the world you can find the kind of partners that exist in your favorite books. You know, the kind, attentive, loyal partners who are wildly attracted to you. Believe it or not, they exist outside of your Goodreads list. This year, singles are upping their standards (hallelujah!) and looking for real-life book partners, according to Reyes. She says that she often tells her patients that “reading love stories is a great way to keep them seeking something more than the drunk guy at the bar who called them pretty.” Do we blame Sarah J. Maas for making us want an Illyrian Warrior? Of course, we do. But if reading love stories is what encourages us to create our own, we’re all for it.
Singles are becoming more considerate about their dating routine
“This year’s prioritization of self-care and mental health has led to more than half (58 percent) of singles being more open about their mental health, and many are making a concerted effort to slow down,” says Bumble. Reframing how they date to protect their mental health, singles are “slow dating” and being more considerate about how much they do so. For example, instead of scrolling the apps every night out of habit to pass the time and find someone to go on a few dates with, singles are being more intentional about how often they mindlessly try to fill their time. Instead, they are making plans with their friends, blocking off their calendars for self-care time, and spending less time worrying about who they will bring as a plus one to their friend’s party over the weekend.
This doesn’t mean that singles are opposed to meeting new people and dating, but they aren’t as consumed by it as they were before. Not only does this ensure quality over quantity, but it lessens the let-down of yet another date gone wrong and diminishes the not-so-glam side of dating (did someone say breadcrumbing?).
As you approach dating this year, consider how you experienced dating in 2023. What can you do to improve your dating life going forward? If this means going on fewer dates so you’re not consumed by the what-ifs of new relationships or the stress it puts on your already busy schedule, then so be it! Do your thing, and remember that there is no rush to find your forever partner.
The verdict
Between moving to new cities to live out their dream lives, prioritizing quality over quantity, raising their standards, and not putting up with ghosting, singles aren’t messing around in 2024. They know what they want and what they deserve, and they will be steadfast in their approach. If you are currently dating and wondering what’s on the horizon, or you are considering re-downloading apps for the first time in a long time, take some time to yourself to consider your dreams and goals. Then, once you do that, decide how (or if!) you want a partner to fit into your plans. It’s never been the time to settle, so we hope that the changes we are seeing in the dating world will encourage you to put your best self forward and expect nothing less from a potential partner.
