Dating has never been easy, and post-pandemic, it’s even trickier to navigate the new ways we connect and stay connected. The COVID-19 years pushed everyone to reevaluate their lives—and who they want to share them with. Today’s dating culture reflects those shifts. To help singles navigate the sometimes choppy waters of budding romance, Tinder released its latest Year in Swipe report. The report, shared with Blavity, highlights dating trends to watch in 2025 and provides insights into the experiences of Black singles. Here are the biggest takeaways.

Sober Dates

Dating, especially first dates, can be nerve-racking. But in 2025, alcohol won’t be the go-to remedy for easing nerves. According to the report, 36% of Black singles prefer sober dating, choosing fun activities that don’t end with headache-filled mornings.

Black Singles Want Deeper Connections

The pandemic famously inspired a shift toward deeper connections over casual hookups—a trend that’s here to stay in 2025. The report found that while 62% of participants value intimacy in relationships, 35% aren’t overly concerned about what happens in the bedroom.

2025 Is the Year of “Loud Looking”

Black singles know what they want, and now more than ever, they’re unapologetically vocal about it. Tinder refers to this as the “Loud Looking” trend, which is expected to dominate dating norms in 2025. “Looking for” ranked as the top bio mention on Tinder in 2024, signaling that Black singles are done with playing games—they’re ready for their partners to be straightforward and honest.

Nanoships

In 2025, every connection counts, no matter how brief. Tinder’s report coined the term “nanoships” to describe relationships of all lengths, from fleeting “eyecontactships” (shared eye contact with a stranger) to ongoing “textuationships” (connections that live exclusively via text). Expect these micro-interactions to play a big role in next year’s dating landscape.

Kissmet

Forget regimented, rom-com-style dates. In 2025, spontaneity rules. Singles are leaning into unplanned, serendipitous connections that reject rigid dating “rules.” This trend, dubbed “Kissmet,” highlights a growing desire to meet and connect authentically, without overthinking it.