A new poll has found the top dating trends poised to shape behaviour in 2025 and Brits are set to embrace a whole new way of finding love, including ‘Swamping’ and ‘No-Habiting.
A survey of 1,500 adults who are actively dating has identified nine emerging trends for the coming year.
These include ‘No-Habiting’, where individuals choose to delay moving in with their partner due to valuing their personal space.
‘Swamping’ is another trend, which involves finding someone you can comfortably share your ‘swamp’ with, and letting go of any pressure to be anything other than your true self.
Other new dating trends include ‘Fiscal Attraction’, ‘Digital Ex-pression’ and ‘Fine-wining’.
The poll was carried out by dating app Plenty of Fish, as part of its 8th annual list of dating trends, aimed at defining the experiences of UK singles.
The study also found that 67% of people will prioritise self-care after a relationship ends – a trend dubbed ‘Rejuve-dating’ – in order to fully embrace the next steps in their dating journey.
Over seven in ten (71%) focus on their wellbeing, while 63% use the time to reflect on their past experiences. Meanwhile, 53% believe that 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.”
She added: “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.”
“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 study also revealed that on average, it takes five dates for someone to feel at ease enough to dress more casually around a new partner. As 83% prefer comfort over style when spending time with their significant other.
Cultural visits (30%), park picnics (40%) and free-entry museum or gallery trips (31%) topped the list of budget-friendly date options.
However, 81% would choose an activity that doesn’t dent their wallet, with 70% confessing that the cost-of-living crisis has made them rethink their approach to romance.
When on the hunt for a potential partner, 66% admit they are hoping for someone who’s ‘easy on the eyes’, while 38% admit they’re drawn to those who are financially savvy.
Comedian Grace Campbell, who teamed up with Plenty of Fish to unveil 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.”
“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: This is all about being upfront and clear about what you want in a relationship, so as not to waste any time.
- Marmalading: This term refers to putting your significant other ‘before anything else’, much like the UK’s favourite bear’s love for marmalade.
- Digital Ex-pression: This is the phase after a break up when you’ve finished mourning and start using social media to share your healing journey and confidently re-enter the dating world.
- Fine-wining: This involves actively seeking out potential partners who are older than you and have aged as gracefully as a fine wine.