Dating habits evolve with each generation, shaped by the times we grow up in. Your grandparents might suggest meeting someone at a local event, while younger folks are swiping through apps. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each group approaches romance differently, yet we all crave connection, communication, and intimacy. These 14 statistics highlight how age influences modern dating.
- Nearly 25% of People in Their 50s Have Tried Online Dating
Online dating isn’t just for the young. A 2022 study by a research institute found that 23% of adults in their 50s have used dating apps in the past five years. Even among those in their 60s, 14% have explored online platforms, and 12% of adults 70 and older have given it a try. Love knows no age limit, and digital dating is catching on across generations.
- People in Their 50s Prefer Established Dating Platforms
Younger daters might flock to swipe-based apps, but adults in their 50s lean toward platforms with a longer track record. A survey showed 53% of this age group use a well-established dating site, compared to just 19% using a popular swipe app known for casual connections. Middle-aged adults also experiment with other apps, while older generations tend to stick with trusted platforms.
- Teen Dating Was More Common Among Baby Boomers
Dating as a teen isn’t what it used to be. A 2024 survey by a lifestyle research group found that 44% of Gen Z men never had a romantic partner during their teenage years. In contrast, only 32% of Millennials and 23% of Gen X reported staying single as teens, while just 20% of Baby Boomers said the same. Social pressures, academic demands, and recent global events may explain why fewer teens date today.
- Most Gen Z Struggle to Connect
Making meaningful connections is tough for younger generations. A psychological association’s survey revealed that 74% of 18- to 34-year-olds feel stressed about their ability to connect with others. Older Millennials reported similar struggles, with 70% feeling uneasy about forming bonds. Heightened focus on values, combined with social isolation, makes it harder for young people to find lasting relationships.
- Baby Boomers Spend Less on First Dates
First-date spending varies by generation. A financial group’s survey found that Gen Z spends an average of $194 on first dates, while Baby Boomers average just $127. Whether it’s due to inflation or a preference for simpler outings, Boomers keep costs down, opting for budget-friendly dates over lavish experiences.
- Most Gen X Don’t Care About Their Date’s Income
Money isn’t everything in romance. A survey by a financial platform showed that 72% of Gen X adults don’t prioritize their date’s income. Similarly, 61% of Millennials and Gen Z share this view. However, financial priorities might shift when marriage is on the table or in regions with different economic pressures.
- Few Millennials Are Open to First-Date Intimacy
Despite pop culture’s portrayal of casual hookups, only 5% of Millennials surveyed by a lifestyle platform said they’d consider intimacy on a first date. For adults 60 and older, that number drops to 2%. Social taboos around discussing intimacy may skew these numbers, but it’s clear that most prefer to wait.
- Older Adults Rarely Kiss on First Dates
A survey found that 41% of adults 60 and older rarely end a first date with a kiss, compared to 34% of 18- to 29-year-olds who say they “sometimes” kiss. Younger generations are slightly more open to physical affection early on, while older adults take a more reserved approach, possibly reflecting changing social norms.
- Young Adults Are More Likely to Bail on Dates
Bad dates happen, and younger generations are less patient. A lifestyle survey showed that 60% of people have considered leaving a date early, with 21% of those under 29 admitting to bailing. In contrast, 47% of adults over 60 said they stick out bad dates, suggesting either better manners or different expectations.
- Older Adults Prefer Restaurants for First Dates
Restaurants remain a go-to for first dates, especially for those over 60, with 70% choosing dining spots. While 60% of 18- to 29-year-olds agree, younger generations are more likely to pick adventurous settings like coffee shops, live events, or sports games, breaking from traditional date norms.
- Gen Z and Young Millennials Often Split the Bill
Splitting the bill is gaining traction among younger daters. A survey found that 23% of 18- to 29-year-olds split first-date costs, compared to 52% of Baby Boomers who follow traditional etiquette where one person pays. Some Gen Z (34%) believe the person who asked for the date should cover it. Open communication about expectations can avoid awkward moments.
- All Generations Value Communication Skills
Strong communication is key to relationships, and every generation agrees. A 2023 dating platform study found that 59% of Gen Z, 68% of Millennials and Gen X, and 71% of Baby Boomers feel confident in their ability to express needs and expectations to their partners. Experience seems to boost confidence over time.
- Middle-Aged Adults Prefer Phone Calls Over Texts
Baby Boomers and Gen X value phone calls over texting for date planning. A UK survey found that 60% of Boomers prefer calling, compared to just 25% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials. Gen X falls closer to Boomers, with deeper conversations often tied to their life experiences, like careers or family responsibilities.
- Baby Boomers Write Longer First Messages
First impressions matter, and older generations put in more effort. Boomers average 17 words in their first dating app messages, followed by Gen X with 11. Millennials (8 words) and Gen Z (6 words) keep it short, reflecting a shift toward concise communication among younger daters.
- Millennials Are More Likely to Cohabitate Before Marriage
Living together before marriage is more common among Millennials than past generations. A 2019 research study found that 12% of unmarried Millennials live with their partner, up from 8% for Gen X at the same age. Economic factors, like rising living costs, likely drive this trend.
Love Unites, but Generations Divide
While we all seek love, how we pursue it varies. Baby Boomers cherish traditional gestures, like paying for dinner or calling to plan dates. Gen Z embraces modern habits, like meeting at coffee shops or splitting bills. These differences reflect the social norms of our times, but the desire for connection remains universal.
