Experts Say: Ditch The Dating Apps! These Are The Hottest Dating Trends Of 2024!
Get the scoop on how Gen Z and Millennials are shaking up the dating world with fresh trends and real connections this summer! 🌞 #News #Relationships #SummerDatingReport
2024 Summer Dating Report: Part 2
Read: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Welcome to our three-part series on the ultimate summer dating trends of 2024, based on Eventbrite’s Summer Dating Report. We’re diving into the freshest insights on how Gen Z and Millennials are transforming the dating scene. From ditching dating apps to embracing unique, in-person events, discover how singles today are finding love in the most unexpected places.
Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful first dates, the rise of niche events, and the renewed desire for genuine connections. Let’s get ready to explore the dating revolution that’s sweeping across the country this summer!
From URL to IRL
After experiencing the ups and downs of online dating, Gen Z and Millennials are seeking traditional, face-to-face connections. The fatigue from endless swiping has driven them to authentic settings like social clubs and hobby groups.
They’re also trying unconventional activities, eager to meet potential partners in person. A recent survey revealed that 69% of respondents feel happy after meeting someone in person who they might date in the future.
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Maxine Williams, founder of We Met IRL, captures this sentiment: “Everything that’s new and exciting eventually loses its charm, and that’s why we see people looking beyond dating apps towards ‘retro’ event gatherings like speed dating to meet new people. The COVID-19 lockdown highlighted the loss of social interaction, and we’re still trying to find our way back to ‘normal’ in that regard.”
The Rise of Meet-Cutes
Traditional romance is alive and well. Many Gen Z and Millennials hope to meet their life partners through mutual friends or daily routines.
Surprisingly, meeting at bars or parties is less popular, with only 21% of Millennials and 19% of Gen Z believing they will meet their love in these settings.
Third Places: New Connection Hotspots
Third places, like coffee shops, bookstores, and art museums, have become social hubs for singles. These welcoming atmospheres are perfect for mingling and discovering shared interests.
Coffee shops, in particular, are favored by Gen Z for casual conversations and chance encounters, with 51% of respondents highlighting them as ideal meeting spots.
Passion Pairings
Frustrated by the lack of authenticity in online dating, many are reconnecting with their passions. From hiking to kintsugi pottery, they hope to meet someone who shares their interests and values. Traditional hobbies like cooking, art, and pet care, as well as niche interests like collectibles and thrifting, are popular among both generations.
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A third of respondents (33%) expect to meet a romantic partner at a recreational activity like a dance class or painting workshop.
Eventful Encounters
Gen Z and Millennials see live events and experiences as prime opportunities to meet potential partners. The emotions evoked by these events play a significant role in opening them up to new connections.
Whether it’s the adrenaline rush of sports events, the intellectual stimulation of book clubs, or the energy of live music performances, these shared experiences are catalysts for exploring romantic possibilities.
Niche Events on the Rise
The shift towards in-person interactions is influencing current event choices. Dating events have evolved to cater to diverse interests, with athletic, tantra, and game-based dating gaining popularity. Non-dating events also focus on shared interests, promoting connections that can lead to either friendships or romantic relationships.
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Attendance at dating and singles events has risen by 42% from 2022 to 2023, and by 49% this year compared to last year.
Casey Lewis, founder of After School and Gen Z expert, notes, “It’s fascinating to see young people turning to time-tested hobbies, from book clubs to birdwatching, poetry readings to chess tournaments. This is a profound societal shift. They’re making time to connect IRL in spite of our increasingly online lives. The niche activities and hobbies allow them to move beyond surface-level conversations and connect more deeply.”
Stay tuned for the final part of our Summer Dating Report series, where we explore empowering tips for navigating the modern dating landscape!