Mumbai: The year may be ending, but dating is here to stay! Tinder’s Year in Swipe is back, unpacking all the standout trends from 2024 and offering a glimpse into the future of dating in 2025. This year, daters got clear on what they want and are heading into 2025 with unapologetic intentions. And here is the list of the top dating trends:
Loud Looking: Whether it’s a “Man in Finance” or “Gamer Girlfriend,” singles are ditching the vague and getting vocal and specific about their needs and desires, confidently and unapologetically. “Looking for…” was Tinder’s top bio mention in 20241, showing that people were being upfront from the start.
Kiss-met: is a playful twist on “kismet,” meaning destiny or fate. A Kiss-met embodies the idea of seeking out spontaneity and stumbling upon joy. It’s essentially a modern rebrand of the classic “meet cute.” In 2025, singles will move away from strict dating “rules” and dive into authentic, spontaneous connections. Think sweaty hike dates–which nearly 40 per cent of surveyed singles are planning to prioritise in 2025.
Nano-ships: In 2024, no romantic connection was too small to define. From “eyecontactships” to “textuationships,” singles are embracing even the tiniest interactions as meaningful. It’s about reclaiming romance, whether serious or not, and recognizing that even micro-moments can count as a “thing.”
Cherry Bombing: Dropping small, playful flirtations instead of going all out with grand romantic gestures. It’s all about those subtle sparks that keep things light and fun. Cherry on top: “Thoughtful Gestures” ranks as the second most attractive “love style” in Tinder bios, according to users.
Cinnamon Roll: A genuinely sweet, kind, and supportive person who’s too pure for this world. They leave their ego behind and bring nothing but warmth and ooey-gooey-goodness. Keep it sweet: 35 per cent of surveyed Tinder singles say they are looking for a “cinnamon roll” in 2025.
D-AI-Dating: Using AI as your dating wingman to craft the perfect text, build out your bio, or practice online conversations to boost your confidence. Love at first byte: 68 per cent of surveyed singles say an AI feature for photo selection assistance would be a game-changer in 2024.
Hopecore: A trend all about embracing positivity and joy in dating and life. Surveyed singles say that to stay energized and excited about dating, they try to stay positive (41 per cent), have an open mind (39 per cent), and remember to have fun (33 per cent).
Investi-dating: When you and your friends go full detective mode, digging up your crush’s entire online footprint (or their aunt’s 2015 trip to Iceland). 63 per cent of Tinder’s surveyed singles pre-screened their dates!
Passport Passion: When you get swept up in a romantic fling in a new city, and it feels straight out of a TV rom-com. Pack your bags: Tinder users passport to an average of 4 cities, chasing love and adventure!
Black Cat Girlfriend: Mysterious, reserved, and a little anti-social, but fiercely loyal to those she loves. She’s got that unbothered, almost selfish black-cat energy — definitely not one to chase after anyone. Claws out: 23 per cent of our surveyed singles are on the lookout for a “black cat” in 2025.
Slow A-Peel: Dating with a mindful approach, like peeling back the layers of an onion. It’s all about embracing the mystery, revealing each part of yourself gradually. When asked what best describes their dating life, 27 per cent of surveyed Tinder singles said slow dating.
Limerence: That all-consuming crush where you’re completely obsessed, longing for them to feel the same — often fueled by Tarot readings and daydreams, even if the fantasy differs from the reality. Manifesting magic: 16 per cent of surveyed singles say that to help their dating life, they plan to get a Tarot card reading.
Remix Relationships: In today’s polarized world, differences like age, work ethic, or critical thinking don’t have to be dealbreakers but strengths. These mixed partnerships are all about reclaiming the divides and finding compatibility beyond perfect symmetry.
Three-month Rule: Three months deep with no DTR? According to the rule, if a relationship is not exclusive within three months of dating, it will likely stay casual.
Alpha Femme: This single isn’t waiting around for a knight in shining armour to make the first move; she’s confidently taking the lead.
Contra Dating: Ditching your usual “type” and stepping outside the box to explore new dating possibilities. This pushes daters to give someone they wouldn’t normally go for a chance.
