Forget the traditional Valentine’s Day dinner and roses. Gen Z is flipping the script on how love, friendship, and connection look in the digital age. Read more about the dating trends amongst Gen Z thanks to a study provided by the number one dating app amongst Black singles, BLK.

As dating apps shift beyond the usual swipe culture, this generation is pioneering a more dynamic, community-driven approach to relationships. Whether it’s building friendships, finding creative collaborators, or embracing low-pressure romance, Gen Z is making Valentine’s Day about authenticity, shared passions, and a fresh take on connection.

Dating Beyond the Algorithm

A recent study found that over 63 percent of Gen Z users prefer dating platforms that encourage genuine interactions and community engagement rather than relying solely on algorithmic matchmaking. The Head of Brand and Marketing at BLK, Jonathan Kirkland, explains this cultural shift.

“Valentine’s Day isn’t just about candlelit dinners anymore,” Kirkland shared in a statement. “It’s about creating your own unique connection story. Whether you’re looking for a soulmate, a new best friend, or your next creative partner, it’s about authenticity, spontaneity, and building a community that truly gets you.”

This push for deeper, more meaningful digital connections is leading to a wave of new dating trends that redefine how people interact.

10 Emerging Trends Shaping Gen Z’s Dating Scene

1. Crew’sing – Dating apps are now being used to build friend groups, brunch crews, and festival squads instead of just romantic relationships.
2. Hobby Homies – Matches are forming based on shared passions, from skating and gaming to photography and cooking.
3. Dopamine Dates – Standard dinner dates are out; high-energy experiences like escape rooms and street art tours are in.
4. Blaze & Bond – Chill smoke sessions are becoming a relaxed way to connect organically.
5. Collabor-Dating – Couples are bonding over creative projects, like making TikToks or curating joint playlists.
6. Flex Dating – Spontaneous, low-commitment meetups like smoothie runs and coffee chats allow for stress-free interactions.
7. Freak Matching – Instead of traditional compatibility, this trend celebrates people who fully embrace each other’s quirks.
8. Shadow Phasing – A soft-launch approach to relationships, where couples ease into things before going public.
9. Offline Only – Some are ditching digital distractions and prioritizing in-person conversations for real, uninterrupted bonding.
10. Soft Life Standards – Connections now prioritize mutual respect, comfort, and everyday luxury, valuing quality over quantity.

How To Make The Most Of Valentine’s Day From Experts:

Want to navigate this new dating landscape? Here are some expert-backed ways to optimize your experience:

• Refresh Your Profile: Update your bio, photos, and voice clips to reflect your personality and interests.
• Set Clear Intentions: Whether seeking romance or friendship, being upfront helps match with like-minded people.
• Join Community Chats: Engage in forums and themed groups to connect naturally before diving into one-on-one dating.
• Plan a Flex Date: Keep things casual with a quick coffee meet-up or a spontaneous park stroll.
• Go Offline for a Date: Challenge yourself to ditch your phone and focus on in-person interaction.

Gen Z is proving that Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance. It’s about celebrating authentic connections in all forms. Whether through friendships, creative partnerships, or spontaneous meetups, this generation is reshaping love on its own terms.