Several surveys reveal dating sites world over have bred fatigue among users. Unsurprisingly, this has given birth to terminology that mirrors this mood. Swipe-fatigue is clearly the new normal.
For instance, ‘floodlighting’ is a term often used these days when the person shares deeply personal information all at once. Personal information can be a past trauma, childhood fantasies and struggles. It also happens when the person wants to share information in a relationship to gain a sense of intimacy, other person’s empathy or trust.
Brené Brown, author of The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings of Authenticity, Connections and Courage, coined this term, and she says, “Oversharing? Not vulnerability; I call it floodlighting. … A lot of times we share too much information as a way to protect us from vulnerability…” Every year, dating terminology gets a fresh batch of buzzwords and trends like ghosting, love bombing that connect new-age daters.
Here’s a list of some fancier, and most updated trends that will change the way you date in 2025:
Anti-app dating: Living in an app-dominated world, one always finds ways to cut the clutter. App fatigue is normal. More people are looking at connections in bars, clubs and bookshops for matchmaking spots.
Past friend: Many singles are looking to connect with people from their past. Revisiting old contact lists or missed connections whom you never met up with can help you catch up.
Eco-dating: Most people are looking at sustainable vibes on a date. They prioritise eco-friendly conversations rather than dinner-and-drinks combo. Garden walks, cleaning up the beach dates are unconventional but popular.
Your voice is my command: Face-to-face dates are outdated as more people look at dating via voice notes and calls instead of text. Voice-first dating apps like SwoonMe aim to bring intimacy and authenticity back to online dating.
Conscious coupling: For those who want to connect with the same frame of mind kind of people, this is meant to intentionally seek short-term romances with no long-term pressure.
Soft launches: When people want to subtly hint at a new relationship on social media, rather than making a formal announcement, it is termed as a soft launch. It’s a way to introduce a new partner to your social media followers without fully revealing their identity. It means posting a picture of holding the new partner’s hand or posing a selfie in an unfamiliar location.
Micro-mances: It is about doing small yet thoughtful acts of love stressing on expressions like care, wellbeing and connection. Bumble defines micro-mance for people who embrace simple gestures to show you care.
On The Same (Fan) Page: The rise of micro-communities like book clubs and running clubs and music fandom like Diljit Dosanjh and Taylor Swift are impacting the way people date, with half (49%) of Gen Z singles agreeing that geeking out on something together is a form of intimacy.
Dating app Bumble has outlined trends like male-casting, where over half of women (53%) surveyed agree that the conversations around masculinity need to evolve to allow men to define what positive masculinity looks like. Future-proofing is another term when there is uncertainty about the future-like finances, job security, housing, and climate change-and this influences love lives.
As many as 95% of singles surveyed saying that their worries about the future are impacting who and how they date. Bumble’s data shows that a majority (59%) of women respondents want a partner who brings emotional stability-someone who’s emotionally dependable, steady, and knows what they want in life. Looking ahead, singles can expect these conversations to be top of mind, with 1 in 4 (25%) women pushing for these topics to be discussed earlier than before. After all, it’s easier to enjoy the dating experience when you know you’re on the same page about what’s ahead. The old fairy-tale promises and outdated gender roles are over. Women are setting fresh standards-expecting genuine connections, shared values, and a modern approach to chivalry that prioritises safety.
Online dating app Tinder says 44% of young female users in India are excited about meeting new people, with 38% seeking new experiences, and 29% appreciating the reduced pressure of finding a ‘happily ever after.’ “Modern dating is about rewriting the rulebook. It’s no longer just about old-fashioned gestures, but about genuine respect and real connections,” says Dr Chandni Tugnait, relationship expert for Tinder in India. As women prioritise mutual care over outdated norms, embracing relationships that truly resonate, Tinder in India has also introduced ‘Her New Dating Rulebook’.
“As modern dating evolves, empowering women with features like ‘are you sure?’ and ‘does this bother you?’ to keep interactions respectful, Tinder is creating a space where women can write their own dating stories, free from outdated norms. The spotlight is on how women are reshaping the dating landscape in India, defining modern chivalry through respect, genuine effort, and the freedom to choose what feels right,” says Aditi Shorewal, communications lead, Tinder India.
As per a recent in-app survey conducted on Tinder in India, 51% of young female users say that keeping promises-like following through on a planned call or meeting on time-defines modern chivalry, proving that consistency beats mere gestures such as opening a door.
