Is 2024 the year you’ll find your true love? Or will you be swiping for hours without results?
Whether you love or hate it, dating is a fact of life. Like clothes and films, dating also sees yearly trends, and the more of these you understand, the better your dating experience will be.
If one of your 2024 New Year’s resolutions was to go on more dates or find a beau, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re looking at the hottest dating trends experts expect to see in 2024 and how you can mix up your dating life. Because traditional dating is so last year.
1. Polyamory
We’re kicking the 2024 dating trends off with an unconventional but popular relationship style – polyamory.
Polyamory has been a hot topic for the last few years, and it’s not going anywhere this year. This dating style is about consensually engaging with numerous romantic or sexual partners rather than focusing on just one (like in monogamous relationships).
If you’re tired of the dating market or feel limited by choosing just one connection, this could be for you. But make sure you lead with transparency and communication. Don’t expect all potential dates to be on board with polyamory – it might be easier to date within the polyamorous community if you desire this dating style.
Get started with our complete guide to polyamory now.
2. Dating outside your normal type
Next up is dating outside your normal type.
Have you ever found yourself swiping on dating apps without really looking at the profiles? After so much time on the apps, many users become guilty of judging profiles within seconds, especially if you always go for the same type.
For example, you might instantly swipe if you see a lock of blonde hair but try to match with as many brunettes as possible.
This year, forget whatever you’re usually attracted to. Instead, give all potential dates a chance. Of course, you don’t have to see them if you genuinely aren’t attracted to or don’t click with them. But don’t be so quick to swipe away from those outside your usual boxes. You never know. You could be surprised.
3. Batch dating
Batch dating might sound strange at first but hear us out! This technique involves setting a target and going on as many dates as possible.
For example, you might want to go on five dates in February. So, instead of being passive, you get on the apps and set up meetings with five people.
It sounds intense, but this viral dating strategy has helped thousands overcome their fear of going on the first date. Rather than putting lots of pressure on one date, batch dating helps you remember that meeting new people is fun and casual.
You can go out, get a drink, and not need to commit to them. If a relationship blossoms, then you can pursue it. However, the main focus of this dating strategy is to meet new people and get yourself out of a dating rut.
Some people have even set goals of 15 or 20 dates a month. But let’s be honest – who has that much time?
4. Value-led dating
Are you passionate about social causes and politics? If so, dating someone with mismatched values is probably a nightmare for you.
We’ve found the 2024 dating strategy for you – value-led dating. This trend is all about finding a date that matches your worldview and your profile.
Dating app Bumble found that 25% of their users believe it’s essential that their partner agrees with their values and actively promotes politics and social causes. So, this year, hold the small talk and get into the big questions.
5. Slow dating
2023 saw the slow living trend boom, and 2024 is set to see a similar boom in slow dating.
Unlike the batch dating method, slow dating is all about meeting fewer people but opting for higher-quality connections. AKA, it’s okay if you’re not feeling excited to meet them or want to wait before you meet them. Instead, you slowly open up to each other through deeper or longer conversations.
This is an excellent method if you’re new to dating apps or are nervous about the first date. Plus, this prioritises emotional connection over physical intimacy. Great if you’re looking for a long-term partner, but not ideal if you want a quick hook-up.
6. Male vulnerability
Does this title sound scary to you? If it does, it might be a sign that you need to embrace being open!
Talking about toxic masculinity and the lack of conversations around men’s health have been popular topics in the last year, so it’s no surprise that these themes are bleeding into the dating scene.
More people are looking for connections with men who aren’t afraid to show their emotions and vulnerable side. Bumble’s study even showed that one in four men had actively tried to be more open while dating, and many experienced positive results. Honesty is the best policy!
7. Cross-generational dating
Age gaps have been another big talking point for the last year, so it’s also not a shock that cross-generational relationships are more common.
As most singles focus on their partner’s values and politics, factors like age are becoming less of a priority. Instead, the goal is to find a partner whose personality, views, and goals match yours.
Interestingly, more women are becoming open to dating younger men. Recent dating research shows that 59% of women are considering dating younger, greatly deviating from the stereotype that women focus on older partners.
The takeaway
So, what do you think of the 2024 dating trends? Can you see yourself going on five dates this month? Or will you start dating outside your type? Whatever strategies you use, treat others respectfully and set boundaries to ensure a healthy relationship. And remember, honest communication is always crucial!
Learn more about sex and relationships via the Vivastreet blog.
