7 Top Dating Trends For 2025

Top Dating Trends for 2025: 5 Must-Know Dating Terms Revealed by Plenty of Fish

As we move into 2025, the dating landscape is evolving to become more diverse, authentic, and unique than ever. Plenty of Fish and other popular dating apps have revealed the top dating trends expected to shape the dating scene this year, many of which focus on emotional connection and individuality. In this article, we’ll delve into 7 of the top dating trends for 2025, designed to help singles navigate relationships with a greater emphasis on authenticity and long-lasting connections.

1. Smutten: Embracing Romantic Fantasies

The trend known as Smutten (not to be confused with “smut”!) captures the way singles are increasingly inspired by romantic storylines from books, TV shows, and films. According to Plenty of Fish, 33% of singles—with a notable 40% of women—admit they’ve been “smutten”, meaning they fantasise about a love life that mirrors these idealised narratives. Classic tales like Pride and Prejudice or modern romance dramas are more than mere entertainment; for many, they represent the kind of experiences they’d like to pursue in real life.

• H3: Why Smutten Appeals to Singles
  • The appeal of Smutten lies in its combination of romantic escapism and a desire for meaningful connections. In a survey conducted by the dating app Plenty of Fish, a third of daters admit they’ve fantasised about a love life that resembles these stories. This trend encourages singles to choose partners with whom they can share meaningful, almost storybook-like experiences.
  • Social media amplifies this trend, as singles show and share their romantic moments inspired by Smutten ideals, making it a popular theme for those seeking more than just casual connections.

Pro Tip:While Smutten is an enjoyable concept, remember to balance your romantic dreams with a touch of realism. Real-life relationships don’t always follow a perfect storyline, and letting go of these expectations can help singles build genuine, fulfilling bonds.

2. Freak Matching: Celebrating Quirks and Unique Interests

Freak Matching is all about finding a match who shares your quirky, unique interests, no matter how niche they may be. Instead of hiding their quirks, singles are increasingly looking for partners who not only accept these differences but also enjoy and embrace them.

• H3: Why Freak Matching Matters in 2025
  • Singles are prioritising authenticity in dating, valuing partners who can see and accept them for who they are. Plenty of Fish’s annual dating trends survey found that 39% of singles are interested in connecting over unique interests or quirks, making this one of the top trends in dating for 2025.
  • This trend offers singles a fresh way to find love by allowing them to be comfortable and authentic with their partner from the outset, avoiding the pressure to hide parts of their true selves. Social media has also fuelled this trend, with more singles sharing their hobbies and interests online.

How to Join the Trend:Embrace your quirks! By revealing your unique traits, you’re more likely to find someone who genuinely appreciates the real you, creating a lasting connection.

3. Yap-Trapping: Avoiding One-Sided Conversations

Yap-Trapping describes those situations where someone only talks about themselves on a date, leaving the other person feeling unheard or even trapped in a one-sided conversation. For many singles, dating has become more challenging when conversations lack balance.

• H3: Spotting a Yap-Trapper
  • Plenty of Fish says that nearly half of singles have encountered a “yap-trapper” on a date. This trend highlights the importance of balanced communication and mutual engagement. Singles need to see and be seen, as equal interest is vital for a fulfilling dating experience.
  • When someone only talks about themselves, it doesn’t allow the other person to feel connected, leading to frustration. Practising mindful conversation, asking questions, and listening actively can turn an average date into a more enjoyable experience.

Pro Tip:If you feel you’re being yap-trapped, try gently steering the conversation by sharing something personal and inviting your date to comment. A balanced exchange helps both people feel valued.

4. StICKing: Looking Past the Initial “Ick” Factor

In past years, singles might have given up on potential partners over minor “icks,” or small annoyances. But StICKing is the 2025 approach to looking past these superficial dislikes and seeking deeper connection. Plenty of Fish’s data indicates that 36% of singles now choose to “stICK” rather than let minor quirks end a relationship.

• H3: How StICKing Is Changing Dating Trends
  • This trend encourages singles to prioritise qualities that truly matter in a relationship. Instead of fixating on minor annoyances, StICKing helps daters choose long-term compatibility over fleeting preferences. It’s a more personal and mature approach, valuing genuine connections over minor annoyances.
  • Social media supports this trend, as singles share their experiences and open up about imperfections, which normalises the idea of looking beyond the surface to build something meaningful.

How to Embrace StICKing:Next time an “ick” arises, think about whether it truly impacts your connection. Often, these quirks are part of what makes a person unique, and giving people a chance can lead to unexpected connections.

5. Grim Keeping: Bonding Over Shared Dislikes

Not all connections need to be based on shared interests. Grim Keeping is the 2025 dating trend where people bond over their mutual dislikes or frustrations, finding someone with whom they can be their unfiltered selves.

• H3: Why Grim Keeping Works for Modern Daters
  • Dating trends for 2025 indicate that daters value authenticity, and bonding over shared annoyances can strengthen relationships. Sometimes, a shared dislike fosters a sense of camaraderie and even humour.
  • Plenty of Fish says that Grim Keeping aligns well with the current trend towards openness. Being able to share dislikes or pet peeves openly makes singles feel more at ease and comfortable.

Pro Tip:Use Grim Keeping as a way to connect authentically, but remember to balance it with positive experiences. A bit of humour around shared dislikes can create a strong bond.

6. Swamping: Being Comfortable with Your Authentic Self

Swamping takes the idea of comfort in relationships to a new level. In this dating term, singles embrace their authentic, sometimes messy, selves—without the pressure to look or act perfectly. Plenty of Fish’s latest survey shows that 83% of singles value comfort and authenticity over the need to impress.

• H3: The Popularity of Swamping and Comfortable Connections
  • Swamping emphasises authenticity, as singles no longer feel compelled to hide their “real selves.” This trend is about being comfortable enough to reveal who you truly are, whether that means dressing casually or skipping makeup.
  • Plenty of Fish’s insights reveal that singles increasingly value partners who appreciate them for who they are. This popular trend is about creating a bond based on honesty, helping relationships flourish.

How to Embrace Swamping:Let go of the pressure to be perfect and focus on building a connection with someone who likes the real you. Showing your authentic self can create a solid foundation for a lasting bond.

7. Fiscal Attraction: Finding a Financially Compatible Match

With financial stability becoming increasingly important, Fiscal Attraction is a top trend where singles prioritise financial compatibility. According to Plenty of Fish, 66% of singles now look for someone who aligns with their financial values.

• H3: The Role of Fiscal Attraction in 2025 Dating Trends
  • Financial compatibility is now a top priority for singles seeking long-term relationships. Singles openly discuss financial habits, values, and even debt early on to ensure they are compatible with their partner.
  • This trend reflects the importance of stability and alignment in dating. Singles seek a partner who shares their financial values, seeing it as essential to a stable, future-oriented relationship.

How to Use Fiscal Attraction in Dating: Be transparent about your financial priorities and find someone with similar values. Aligning financial views early can set the stage for a stable and supportive partnership.

Embracing Dating Trends in 2025 for Meaningful Connections

The top dating trends for 2025 highlight a shift towards authenticity, emotional compatibility, and individuality. Whether you’re inspired by Smutten, Freak Matching, or Grim Keeping, the year ahead brings countless opportunities for singles to find meaningful connections.

By staying aware of these top dating trends, singles can approach modern dating with intention, seeking partners who value authenticity and individuality. Remember, the best relationships are built on real connections—embrace these trends and let your true self show.

Rachel Hall

Rachel Hall, M.A., completed her education in English at the University of Pennsylvania and received her master’s degree in family therapy from Northern Washington University. She has been actively involved in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, and coping with life changes and traumatic events for both families and individual clients for over a decade. Her areas of expertise include narrative therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and therapy for traumatic cases. In addition, Rachel conducts workshops focusing on the psychology of positive thinking and coping skills for both parents and teens. She has also authored numerous articles on the topics of mental health, stress, family dynamics and parenting.