What’s in, what’s out: The romance playbook’s new dating trends for 2025

Dating in 2025? It’s a mix of old-school romance, digital-age connections, and some surprisingly creative trends. Whether you’re all about grand gestures or prefer the quiet power of small acts of love, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into the dating trends making waves this year.

Micro-mance: The subtle art of small gestures

“Small things matter.” And for a lot of people, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact.

Welcome to micro-mance, a dating trend that proves romance doesn’t have to be flashy to be meaningful. It’s about those little things that show you genuinely care — without the need for grand, over-the-top gestures.

Think, curating a playlist filled with their favorite love songs, surprising them with that one thing they kept talking about, or picking out their favorite flower just because. Simple, sweet, and deeply personal.

Micro-mance has officially taken its place in modern dating because, let’s be real — consistent small acts of love often mean more than one extravagant display. Time and effort go a long way…in love…in life.

Dating apps: Love at first swipe?

We all know the drill — Bumble, Grindr, Tinder. Dating apps have been around for a while, but they remain a dominant force in modern romance.

For some, online dating leads to deep conversations, unexpected connections, and even long-term love. But let’s be honest — it’s not all fairy tales and happy endings. Ghosting, misleading profiles, and disastrous first dates are still part of the package.

Sure, there are plenty of success stories, but at the end of the day, it’s not just about matching with someone who looks good on paper (or, well, in a bio). It’s about genuine compatibility — the kind that turns swipes into something real

Male-casting: Categorizing men, one aesthetic at a time

If dating apps aren’t your thing, maybe male-casting is. This trend, born from TikTok and deeply loved by chronically online Millennials and Gen Z, is all about placing men into specific archetypes based on their looks, vibe, or career.

Man in a gilet? Finance bro.

Blonde with blue eyes? Probably a surfer.

Soft-spoken and artsy? Babygirl boyfriend material.

While it might sound like just another internet joke, male-casting actually reflects a shift in how people view attraction. Women are ditching outdated ideas of masculinity and looking for authenticity instead. No more performative toughness — just honesty, realness, and clear intentions.

From the return of the hunk to the rise of the babygirl boyfriend, male archetypes are evolving, and dating is evolving right along with them.

Strava-dating: Running toward love

Why limit dating to dinner dates and DMs when you can bond over shared interests?

Strava-dating — named after the popular fitness and social networking app — is all about meeting people through hobbies. And no, it’s not just about running or working out. Whether it’s book clubs, movie marathons, or hiking groups, this trend is redefining how people connect.

For some, it’s simply about making new friends. But for others, a mutual passion might just spark something more. A healthy body and a thriving love life? Sounds like a win-win.

Roster dating: Red flag or smart strategy?

Dating multiple people at once — strategic or just messy?

Roster dating (also known as casual dating or ethical non-monogamy) is on the rise. The idea? Keep your options open, meet different people, and explore compatibility without jumping into commitment too fast.

Some see it as a red flag, while others view it as a way to make smarter dating decisions. The trick is making sure everyone involved is on the same page. Without clear communication, things can get messy real fast. But if done with honesty and respect, roster dating can help people discover what (and who) they truly want.

Old-fashioned dating: A classic that never fades

While new dating trends keep popping up, some people are embracing a different approach — slowing down.

Old-fashioned dating is all about genuine connections, meaningful conversations, and intentional relationships. It’s ditching the fast-paced, app-driven culture for something deeper — like courtship, long phone calls, and actually taking the time to build a connection.

For those tired of swiping, ghosting, and the rush to define relationships, this timeless approach is a refreshing alternative. Because at the end of the day, love doesn’t always need an algorithm — sometimes, it just needs patience.