Still looking for a fine romance? Here’s what you can expect from 2024’s dating trends.
Lovebirds and lone wolves, prepare for a smashing year where the dating game is redefined. Are you looking to spice up your relationship? Or perhaps you’re sick of dealing with all the ghosting. Whatever the reason may be, 2024 is all about embracing a whole new set of dating trends that will level up your romantic life. Here’s a sneak peek at what the dating scene has in store for you.
The dating trends to look out for in 2024
1. Hard-launch, but with dating
Everyone knows the term is used to announce a relationship publicly, but this year, hard-launch dating will take centre stage. Single people will be open (and unashamed) to let everyone know they’re ready to mingle. This can work in your favour, especially if you have friends who know others who are in the same boat as you. Matchmaking alert!
2. Who’s afraid of the age gap?
Gone are the days where age plays a significant role in relationships. In 2024, daters will be less particular about the age range, as everyone is looking for genuine connections. More people will be open to dating someone younger than them, while judgment towards age gap relationships diminishes. Singletons, now you can openly declare you’re on the lookout for your next Ryan Reynolds or Priyanka Chopra. Celebrity status optional, obvi.
3. Let’s get more than physical
Speaking of genuine connections, this is the year when physical intimacy takes a back seat. That’s right, folks, it’s all about getting in the feels. Emotional intimacy ranks higher on the dating list compared to sex – in fact, it’s considered more attractive than the horizontal mambo. Singles are focused on finding security and safety – and understanding their other halves better.
That said, be careful of PMI (premature intimacy), which means sharing too much too soon with your dates. When it comes to being open, strike a balance between sharing the pertinent things upfront and keeping other stuff to yourself until the time is right. There’s no need for the other person to know about how many kids you want or your sexual kinks during the first date – unless they ask, of course.
4. Usher in the era of slow dating
The era of dating to settle down has come to an end. Enter slow dating, a movement where single folks take their time to get to know someone before deciding if they want to pursue anything further with that person or move on to the next one. If you’re on dating apps, this entails having deeper and longer conversations (still, don’t forget the PMI rule) before taking it offline. With this approach, daters can take the time to decide if someone is right for them or not.
5. Ghosts belong in the afterlife
Don’t you just hate it when you’re getting along well with someone, and suddenly they just ghost you? It’s time to say goodbye to your unofficial role as a ghostbuster. People will be putting their foot down about ghosting. How does this work? Well, if you feel you’re being ghosted, don’t let it linger on for too long. Let them know their ghosting hasn’t gone unnoticed before politely informing them that things won’t work out. End your message by wishing them luck in their romantic endeavours.
6. Men, continue to break down those walls
One dating trend that continues to flourish in 2024 involves the men. Yes, you read that right. Men are encouraged to be more vulnerable and express their emotions openly. This will positively impact men’s mental health and build a stronger foundation for healthy relationships. Psst: some consider a lack of vulnerability as a dating dealbreaker, so keep that in mind.
We have to thank Gen Z for the rise of empathetic men and healthy masculinity. The young males of today will keep on showing that vulnerability is an asset which, in turn, will redefine masculinity and what it takes to be a man for future generations.
7. Location, location, location
Ever wondered what it’d be like to date someone out of the country? Put that thought into action. This year, singletons can change their dating apps’ location to where they might want to migrate to. Perhaps you’re manifesting moving to a new city for work, or you’re in dire need of overhauling your life for a fresh start. If you do end up getting to know someone, use that as an opportunity to travel and get acquainted with your potential new home and boo. And if things don’t work out? It’s okay! At the very least, you have a clear picture of where you’ll be moving to.
In turn, this 2024 dating trend will see more long-distance relationships. That’s a whole ‘nother beast altogether, but this shows that near, far, wherever you are, you shouldn’t let borders stop you from looking for your new love.
8. Switching the positions for you
Last year, we mentioned that sexual wellness will no longer be taboo. This year, physical intimacy levels up, with people being more open about their desires. Plenty of you will be having more sex this year (woo hoo!), with orgasms being front and centre for everyone. More folks will also learn to better communicate their sexual needs with their partners. Oh, and don’t bother about your body count – no one will ask you about it nowadays.
9. It’s time for a reconnection
Everyone always says to look forward and not back. But what if the one that got away is the best you’ve ever had? Just like the Golden Globe-nominated film Past Lives, daters will have the chance to turn back time and reach out to the ghosts of their past. Maybe both of you are in a better place now. Or, you realised breaking up back then was a mistake. Either way, a reconnection is on the cards. Are you ready for it?
10. Come as you are
Self-improvement and being the better version of yourself is great, but maintaining it can be tiring. The pressure has caused many to feel unworthy of being someone’s partner. That’s going to change this year, and all you have to do is embrace yourself as you are. This also extends to accepting other people for who they are. Always remember you don’t have to change yourself for someone else, nor should you try to change others for you.
So, which of these dating trends are you looking forward to in 2024?
