LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 6 JANUARY 2025 - As we step into a new year, many are setting refreshed intentions for growth, empowerment, and meaningful connections. Research from more than 40,000 Gen Z and millennial Bumble members around the world* 2025 is shaping up to be a transitional year. Bumble, the women-first dating app, has released its predictions, revealing that singles are more intentional and clearer than ever about what they want and need—and what they’re no longer willing to tolerate.

From fresh approaches to romance and how singles share their dating lives, to who they lean on for support, Bumble’s six trends showcase how our relationships are evolving in bold and exciting ways:

💘Micro-mance: Romance is making a comeback in 2025, but it’s no longer defined by grand gestures. Instead, Bumble’s research shows that people are embracing "micro-mance": small, thoughtful acts that make a big impact. Globally, the majority of singles (86%) agree the way we express feelings has shifted, with sharing an inside joke, sending a meme, or making someone a cup of tea speaking volumes. Over half (58%) of British women identify as romantics, and for 2 in 5 (44%), a lack of romance has negatively impacted their dating lives.

📸DWM (Date With Me): Social media is serving as a ‘window’ to the broader dating experience, embracing a new real-ness, and Bumble predicts that 2025 will lean further into this trend. With the rise of GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, live-streamed breakups, and post-date debriefs, more singles are embracing transparency. 2 in 5 (41%) singles globally celebrate authentic dating content that showcases both the highs and lows, inspiring optimism and healthier relationships. By sharing real experiences, singles are fostering openness, spotting red flags earlier, and building stronger connections.

🎮On The Same (Fan) Page: Unique and quirky interests are reshaping attraction. From fandoms (hello Taylor and Charli) to niche hobbies like cold plunging and fantasy fiction, nearly 2 in 3 (60%) of UK singles globally say shared passions are key to connection. For 1 in 2 women globally (50%), showing up authentically means leaning into their interests. Bumble’s expanded Interest Badges—covering everything from trivia to houseplants—make it easier than ever to connect with like-minded people. In fact, half of Gen Z agree (49%), geeking out together can be a form of intimacy .

🚹Male-Casting: From babygirl, to hot rodent men, to men in finance and the return of the hunk, conversations about male stereotypes surged in 2024, with 1 in 3 (36%) British singles noting their prominence. Much like the experience of women, over 1 in 4 (29%) men in the UK say these tropes can create false assumptions about their character and intentions. In 2025, over half of women (53%) agree that it’s time to redefine masculinity and allow men to show up authentically in relationships.

🔮Future-Proofing: In today’s world, uncertainty about the future is playing into our love lives and people are focusing on stability. Bumble’s research shows that 4 in 5 (95%) singles globally are rethinking their dating priorities based on concerns about finances, climate change, and job security. For over half (59%) of women, this means placing a higher value on emotional consistency, reliability, and clear goals in a partner. In 2025, candid conversations about life plans and challenges are set to happen earlier in relationships, paving the way for deeper understanding and alignment.

👫Guys That Get It Platonic male friendships are becoming a cornerstone of the dating journey. Nearly a third (31%) of single women are now more open with their male friends about their dating lives, relying on them for advice and support. Bumble’s research highlights a shift toward men engaging in healthier, more meaningful friendships, with many women (54%) trusting the men in their lives to help explain dating behaviors and even vet potential matches.

Dr Caroline West, Bumble’s Sex & Relationship Expert said: “In 2025, Bumble’s research shows that people are Future-Proofing their relationships, prioritising stability, emotional consistency and honesty in their relationships, with nearly 2 in 3 women valuing clear goals and focus on genuine connections. My ultimate advice for dating in the new year is to forget the pressure to impress or be someone you’re not. Let your profile show who you truly are and what matters most to you. By showing up as yourself, you’re not just attracting matches - you’re setting the tone for meaningful connections in the year ahead.”

*Research was conducted by Bumble using internal polling between September 19 - 23 2024 with a sample of 41,294 Bumble members between 18-35 around the world, including the United Kingdom.

*To access the full report and additional assets, please refer to the link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/zjrlgjnyu2f6udtb1fb87/ALtPpPNn3PB5tZ5LFRfOJ7k?rlkey=q7io8ccr7k1ohl599i1ep9hbf&st=1wb2ke8f&dl=0

*For further information, please contact the Bumble Press Team at: press@team.bumble.com

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