Every year, there are new dating trends that emerge – some good and some bad. Here are six of them that dominate the scene in 2025 that you need to know.

TREND #1: Loud crushing

The complete opposite of dropping hints, this trend involves being very open about your feelings for someone. Better than not knowing where you stand!

TREND #2: Soft launching

Probably the most popular trend of 2025, this refers to people letting the world know in subtle ways that they are dating someone rather than doing a big reveal. 

TREND #3: Slow dating

There’s nothing wrong with taking your time to establish a meaningful connection when dating. More people are realising this, which is why it’s taken off in 2025.

TREND #4: Shrekking

A term stolen from the name of the famous green ogre, this is when someone dates down, or dates someone they perceive to be less attractive than their usual type.

TREND #5: Benching

This is similar to breadcrumbing. It refers to keeping someone as a backup by checking on and seeing them periodically while still dating other people.

TREND #6: Freak matching

As the name might suggest, this is about looking to date people who ‘match your freak’, or someone who shares your unique interests, hobbies or lifestyle.