Bumble has recently revealed its annual **dating trends for 2025**, providing insight into what singles may anticipate in the approaching year. Previously, the dating app projected that values-oriented dating, emotional connections, and a departure from the self-improvement hustle would be at the forefront. As per Bumble’s Chief Marketing Officer, Selby Drummond, “2025 is looking to be a pivotal year for dating. We’re observing that singles, especially women, are becoming more assertive about their wants and needs, and what they are no longer willing to accept in their relationships.”
Here’s an overview of what could be expected in 2025, drawing from insights gathered from over 40,000 millennial and Gen Z Bumble users surveyed in September:
### The Return of Romance
Earlier this year, Bumble pinpointed the **”Lover Girl” trend**, where a significant number of UK women embraced romance and affectionate acts. This trend is anticipated to persist into 2025, with 55% of U.S. women identifying as romantics.
An impressive 88% of Bumble users concur that the way we convey love has transformed, with “micro-mance” gestures—such as sending memes, curating playlists, sharing inside jokes, or enjoying morning coffee walks—becoming the standard practice. Nearly half (49%) of Gen Z singles report that connecting over mutual interests, or “geeking out” together, constitutes a form of intimacy. Romance appears to be very much alive.
Nonetheless, half of U.S. women indicate that a deficiency of romance has adversely affected their dating experiences. Conversely, 87% of Bumble users reported positive elements in dating throughout 2024, including the thrill of meeting new individuals, enhancing their self-esteem, and reevaluating their desires in a relationship.
### Stability is In
Given the prevailing uncertainty in the world, it is unsurprising that **stability** has emerged as a primary concern for singles. Nearly all (95%) of those surveyed acknowledged that worries about the future are shaping their dating decisions.
Fifty-nine percent of women now prioritize stability more than ever, looking for partners who are emotionally steady, dependable, and have defined life objectives. Notably, 34% of women are broaching serious topics such as budgeting, housing, climate change, and career aspirations earlier in their relationships than in the past.
Looking forward, 72% of Bumble users aspire to find a long-term partner in 2025—someone to navigate life’s uncertainties with.
### Love in the Age of the Internet
If your social media feeds are overflowing with dating advice and trends, you’re not by yourself. From viral **courting dance trends** to countless TikTok “theories” about love, dating content is omnipresent.
Bumble discovered that half of U.S. women are observing a shift toward more **authentic dating content** online, showcasing not just the ups but also the downs of dating, such as post-date discussions. While the genuineness of TikTok content may be debated, it is evident that we have progressed beyond the curated Instagram facade. This transition is aiding 46% of women in feeling less self-conscious and isolated, while 45% report that viewing realistic, uplifting dating content boosts their optimism regarding their own romantic lives.
### Evolving Masculinity
Discussions about **male stereotypes** have taken center stage in 2024, with 34% of Bumble users recognizing an increase in dialogues surrounding masculinity. Thirty-one percent of U.S. men express discomfort with these stereotypes, as they often result in preconceived notions about their character and intentions.
More than half of women (53%) argue that the discourse on masculinity must evolve, enabling men to define what positive masculinity represents for them.
Simultaneously, 2024 has witnessed the emergence of the **guy best friend**. Thirty-one percent of single women report being more candid with their male friends regarding their dating experiences than they have been previously, and 22% even request their male friends to assess potential dates. Additionally, 57% of women in the U.S. depend on the men in their lives to help them navigate male dating behaviors.
“These trends reflect what we’re hearing and observing from Bumble users,” stated Bumble’s sex and relationship expert Shan Boodram. “Individuals are focusing on self-expression, articulating their future and expectations, and ultimately, forging their own paths in the realm of dating.”
As we approach 2025, it is evident that singles are welcoming romance, prioritizing stability, and redefining both love and masculinity in the digital landscape.