Seize The Date: The New Gen-Z Dating Trend Taking Over 2023

Wouldn’t be for me, now…

If you’ve gone on a date this year, well done.

Dating is hard, and finding someone you actually want to waste precious hours of your day with is even harder.

More often than not, we’re left lamenting our choices, swiping sadly in the cab on the way home, and wondering where it all went wrong.

Well, not everybody is, because apparently Gen Z have got dating down to a tee. Not jealous at all, lads.

‘Seize the Date’ is a new dating trend that’s seemingly taking over TikTok, as single Gen Zers take to the app and document just all the ways they’ve made their dates happen.

We’re talking sending risky messages, putting yourself out there, and telling people you fancy them even though you have no idea what the response is going to be. Wouldn’t be for me, I must say.

According to research compiled by dating app Bumble, almost half (43%) of Gen Zers on the app are more motivated to go after what they want when it comes to romance.

What’s more is that 73% of them are considerably more optimistic compared to us aul wans. I wonder why.

Bumble’s Sex and Relationships Expert, Dr Caroline West says: “Gen Z is the first generation to enter the dating scene with apps as a key way to meet people.

“Given the greater control that online dating can offer with how you choose to date, from filtering matches by distance or Interest Badges which help you find things in common, it’s no surprise this generation feels more empowered to date on their own terms.”

She goes on: “Gen Z is making dating work for them in their own way, whether that’s ignoring social norms on height, or doubling down on others – such as being forward.

“With more than two fifths of Gen Z now feeling more motivated to go after what they want romantically than before the pandemic, it’s clear that, dating with purpose, confidence and integrity is the new standard of dating.”

Well, maybe it’s time we all took a leaf out of the Gen Z dating handbook then. They must be doing something right.

• Bumble
• Dating