19 New Dating Statistics You Should Know
Dating is thriving in the Big Smoke! London’s top dating photographer takes a look at where it’s all heading.
Let’s face it, most of us have no idea what we’re looking for when it comes to love. And even when we think we’ve cracked it, our tastes, trends and preferences seem to flip flop from one day to the next.
So, to make sense of all the swiping, ghosting, texting, and trying-again-tomorrow, let’s zoom out and take a collective look at what the UK dating scene has really been up to.
These dating stats offer a glimpse into the habits, hopes and hiccups shaping romance across the country.
Brace yourself.
Demand for ‘No Sex At All’ Relationships is Growing
Yes, according to Feeld, celibacy is cited as the fastest growing desire on the app, rising by a massive 235% over the last year.
Similar trends have been reported across other dating and shared interest apps, highlighting a growing desire for long term, non sexual connections.
So pop your shirt back on, and try to make that selfie look a bit more wholesome.
Silver Surfers Spend the Most Time
An Ofcom study shows 55 to 64 year olds make up just 6% of dating app users, yet spend the most time on them, an average of 5 hours and 43 minutes per month.
This is encouraging. When Tinder first launched, you couldn’t even sign up if you were past 50. Now it seems the tables have turned.
The ‘Paying the Bill’ Drama Continues
Ever sat at a restaurant and, when the bill arrives, your date suddenly finds the ceiling super interesting?
Traditional values, often mislabelled as ‘chivalry’ still linger. A Matchmaker 2025 report suggests that 74% of men wouldn’t mind if their date didn’t offer to pay, but only 17% of women feel comfortable footing the bill themselves.
Going Dutch might be the perfect solution, but it seems society hasn't fully caught up.
Dating App Usage in the UK is Falling
The UK’s top 10 dating apps saw a drop off of nearly 16% in 2024, according to Ofcom.
But this doesn’t mean people are giving up on love. Many are just turning to new formats, especially Gen Z, who are exploring shared interest platforms like Meet Up and Time Left to find connections without pressure.
Sci-Fi Fandom Matching is on the Rise
Sci-fi is the fastest growing interest among bisexual users on Feeld.
It’s part of a broader trend, finding love through shared, niche passions. Connecting over Star Wars or Stranger Things might be the new “walks on the beach”.
Dating App Gender Gap
Dating apps are still more popular with men than women (65% vs 35%).
Hinge bucks the trend slightly, with 53% of users being women. But overall, there’s still a noticeable imbalance.
Romance is Still King
58% of British women identify as romantics, and 44% say a lack of romance has negatively impacted their dating lives.
So yes, flowers on Valentine’s Day are still very much in play.
Willingness to Compromise
77% of singles say they’re willing to compromise on their ideal partner’s traits. Top areas include hobbies (38%), job (30%) and political views (27%), according to Eharmony’s 2025 Dating Diaries.
Near enough might just be the new perfect.
Valentine’s Still Sparks a Surge
On Valentine’s Day 2024, 1.9 million UK adults used dating services, spending an average of 19 minutes each on the apps.
It may feel commercial and overhyped, but clearly it still gets us swiping.
IRL Dating Events Are Growing
A 2025 BBC report shows that in person events and hobby based meet ups are making a comeback.
More singles want to meet face to face, in more natural environments. Less swipe, more vibe.
Multiple App Usage
Most dating app users are juggling more than one platform. For instance, 57% of Bumble users also use Tinder, and 53% also use Hinge.
But spreading your attention too thin can lead to shallow conversations and fewer meaningful connections.
Aura Matching is on the Rise
Singles are increasingly prioritising compatibility and long term thinking over looks and banter.
According to the Evening Standard, 95% of daters now factor in future stability. Things like budgeting, housing and careers are now scrutinised earlier in the dating process.
Every App Has a Niche
OkCupid and Plenty of Fish remain favourites for daters looking for deeper matching and affordability. Meanwhile, Happn connects you with people you’ve crossed paths with in real life.
These unique selling points allow the apps to distinguish themselves but can still lack the numbers to offer the same variety as the big three.
Grindr Has The Highest User Engagement
Grindr users spend an average of 6 hours and 49 minutes a month on the app, more than any other dating platform.
That’s serious commitment.
The Bus is the New Bar
Peak usage times for dating apps are during commuting hours (around 9am and 6pm).
So if you’re looking to boost your visibility, make sure you’re active during the rush hour scroll.
The Male and Female Experience is Still Very Different
Women on Tinder have a match rate of 10%. For men, it’s just 0.6%.
That’s a stark difference, and it’s one of the reasons why dating app burnout is especially common among men.
Romance Scams and Fake Profiles Remain a Threat
7,660 romance fraud cases were reported in England and Wales last year.
Stay sharp, if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
Men Still Tend to Focus on Looks, Women Look Deeper
Men spend more time on photos, while women are more likely to read bios and look for shared values or humour.
A good explanation could also be that, according to Arctic Gateway, women often use Tinder for a wider range of reasons, not just relationships, including socialising, distraction and self-esteem boosts.
Affinity Based Platforms are Booming
Interest based platforms like Strava and Letterboxd are seeing rapid growth, with 20% and 50% user increases respectively last year.
This underlines the move toward finding love through shared passions, not just physical attraction.
Key Takeaways
Shared interests are increasingly shaping how we meet
Apps are declining slightly, but dating isn't
Older generations are more active than ever
Romance and stability still matter
Low effort profiles just don’t cut it anymore
Conclusion
Whether you're single, dating, or somewhere in between, understanding these shifts can help you navigate the modern love landscape more wisely.
And if you’re not sure where to start, maybe it’s time for a new photo or profile refresh. Just saying 😁
Attribution
https://www.standard.co.uk
https://www.statista.com
https://www.ofcom.org.uk
https://www.globaldatinginsights.com/news
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles
https://www.vidaselect.com
https://articlegateway.com
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