2023 Dating Trends Report
In 2022, we’ve seen sober curious dating, video dating and prioridating come further into the cultural forefront. eharmony wants to know what dating trends we’ll see in 2023 and how they’ll affect Americans and Canadians.
eharmony unveiled new insights and dating trends for 2023
To better understand the societal shifts that impacted Canadian’s dating habits over the last year, eharmony surveyed a representative sample of single daters to reveal consumer sentiment and key trends & themes shaping the dating landscape, including New Love Languages, Singlehood, Priorities in 2023, Work/Love Balance, and insights on how Finances and Astrology will influence relationships and dating next year.
New Love Languages
Respondents who were in a relationship feel most loved when their partner…
52%
…makes them feel emotionally seen.
36%
….shared new experiences.
27%
…gives them space to be alone.
Over half (52%) of those who have been in a relationship feel most loved when their partner makes them feel emotionally seen, followed by sharing new experiences (36%), and giving them space to be alone (27%).
Another topics is Giving and receiving. 17% of Canadian respondents have changed the way they express love in a romantic relationship over the past year while 18% have changed the way they prefer to receive love. 38% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials report changing the way they express love. 48% of Gen Z and 25% of Millennials report changing the way they wish to receive love. More than half (54%) of respondents aren’t sure the five love languages encompass the way they express and prefer to receive love.
Emotional security (feeling emotionally seen and taken care of) (38%) resonates best as a new love language followed closely by personal space (32%) and shared experiences (adventuring and expanding yourself with someone) (30%).
Finances and Dating in 2023
Budgeting for 2023 seems to be a priority with 24% of Canadian respondents reporting that they will spend LESS money on dates next year due to the current financial situation. 35% of respondents have passed on a date because of their personal financial situation at some point.
Free date ideas for 2023
54%
cooking together
65%
going on a hike or walk
51%
have a picnic in a park
Being or Choosing to be Single?
Almost two-thirds (62%) of Canadian respondents consider themselves intentionally single. 68% of Gen Z say they prefer being single. The same is true for 58% of Millennials, 63% of Gen X and 66% of Boomers. Nearly half of respondents report being single for more than 3 years (61%). Evenven though many consider themselves to be intentionally single, 38% feel confident they are going to start dating next year and that 30% of all respondents are looking for a genuine connection with long term potential. 37% of single Canadian adults feel the most confident in dating when they’re having a good time and forget they’re on a date.
U.S. respondents report the top 5 reasons for being single
39%
haven’t met the right person yet
30%
want to be single
16%
have high expectations for a potential partner
15%
aren’t ready for a relationship
11%
don’t have time for a relationship
dating Priorities in 2023
Get who gets you. When looking at dating goals year over year, people are more ready to find a genuine connection with long-term potential (18% in 2022 vs. 30% in 2023), serious relationship (18% in 2022 vs. 29% in 2023), friendship (17% in 2022 vs. 28% in 2023).
29%
People are more ready to find a serious relationship (18% in 2022 vs. 29% in 2023)
The top priorities for dating in 2022 and for 2023 are friendship (69%), having fun (66%) and finding someone to be your full self with (63%). Priorities have remained mostly the same when looking at 2022 and forward to 2023. Physical health (59%), financial growth (48%) and family/friendships (48%) were the top personal priorities in 2022. Respondents said that physical health (55%), financial growth (49%) and mental health (45%) are their top priorities for 2023.
dating trends with a view to work life
35% of Canadian respondents reported dating less if feeling stressed at work while 20% said they date more when they’re in a good place at their job. 54% of respondents reported that they work remotely or flexible/hybrid and 19% feel it might be harder to meet people in-person while working remote and plan on using dating apps more in 2023.
Astrology and Dating
22% of respondents think that it’s appropriate to ask someone their astrological sign when they first meet or through a dating app. Less than 1 in 5 have asked (16%) / been asked (16%) their birth date and time on a date.
Methodology
eharmony with Harris Interactive interviewed a nationally representative sample of 1,200 respondents living in the United States and Canada in October 2022.