GOING OUT
Most popular 2025 dating trends revealed – but what does ‘No-Habiting’ & ‘Thrift-matised’ actually mean?
Find out the UK's top dating trends below
A POLL of 1,500 adults who actively date revealed nine trends that are set to emerge in the next year, including "No-Habiting" – when you choose to wait longer to move in with your partner because you value your personal space.
While "Swamping" sees you find someone you can comfortably share your "swamp" with and let go of the pressure to be anything but your true authentic self.
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"Fiscal Attraction", "Digital Ex-pression" and "Fine-wining" were also among the new dating trends to emerge.
The survey was commissioned by dating app Plenty of Fish, to launch its 8th annual list of dating trends, helping to define the experiences of UK singles.
The research also found 67 per cent will prioritise self-care after a relationship ends– coined "Rejuve-dating" - to fully embrace the next steps in their dating journey.
More than seven in 10 (71 per cent) focus on their wellbeing, while 63 per cent use the time to reflect on their past experiences.
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As 53 per cent believe failed romances make them stronger.
Eva Gallagher, resident dating expert at Plenty of Fish, said: “This year's trends highlight the ever-growing impact society and pop culture has on singles dating experiences.
"Trends such as 'Swamping' have British daters leaning into their own authenticity and looking for the same from potential partners.
"Rejuve-dating" shows self-awareness and a shared optimism for the future of their dating lives.
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“Singles are prioritising meaningful connections and are being open and honest about what they’re looking for, which is exactly what we’re encouraging.”
The report also found it takes an average of five dates for someone to feel comfortable being more casual in their appearance when seeing a new partner.
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With 83 per cent preferring to be comfy when hanging out with their other half, than trying to dress to impress.
Visiting cultural hotspots (30 per cent), having picnics in parks (40 per cent) and exploring free entry museums or galleries (31 per cent) were the most popular choices when it comes to low-cost date choices.
But 81 per cent will opt for something that doesn’t break the bank, with 70 per cent admitting the impact of the cost-of-living crisis contributes to their new-found ways of romancing.
When looking for someone to date, 66 per cent hope to find someone who is "easy on the eyes" and 38 per cent admit they are attracted to a person who is savvy with their finances.
Once settled into a new relationship, 83 per cent of those polled via OnePoll.com are happy to wait a while before moving in together.
As 51 per cent choose to prioritise their personal space instead.
Comedian Grace Campbell, who partnered with Plenty of Fish to launch the dating trends and offer her advice to UK singles said: “I know many single Brits will relate to these must-know dating trends for 2025, because I certainly do.
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"From ‘No-habiting’ because my own space is so important, to a little ‘Fiscal Attraction’ since I’m fed up with dates being intimidated by my ambitions, they reflect our shared experiences as daters while searching for love.
"No matter what your goals or hopes are for dating, these trends – and with a little advice from me – will inspire you to date to suit your own needs, just like I am.”
Top dating trends of 2025
- Swamping: When you find someone you can comfortably share your 'swamp' with and let go of the pressure to be anything but your true authentic self.
- No-habiting: When you choose to wait longer to move in with your partner because you value your personal space.
- Fiscal Attraction: When you won't settle for less and you're seeking a match who is financially secure and who you find attractive.
- Rejuve-dating: When you cast away the blues and grow from past experiences so you can fully embrace the future of your dating journey.
- Thrift-matised: When you like to go on dates but hit that sweet spot between being cheap and frugal. Hidden gems, loyalty cards - these are all your type on paper.
- Loud-dating: Cutting to the chase, being open and to the point with what you want so you don't waste your time.
- Marmalading: When you literally put your other half ‘before anything else’, much like Britain’s most beloved bear’s love for marmalade.
- Digital Ex-pression: The stage after a break-up when you are done grieving and turn to social media to share how you are healing to confidently get back out on the dating scene.
- Fine-wining: Proactively finding people to date who are older than you and who've aged just like a fine wine.
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