28 February 2023 , 11:44
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Singles searching for love often turn to dating apps for help as meeting someone 'organically' appears to be a thing of the past. Along with new apps, a whole new language around dating has emerged to describe everything but a relationship.
'Situationships', 'seeing each other', 'talking stages' and 'dating' are all vague terms to describe getting to know someone before you are officially together but one common term has fallen out of use.
Over half of Gen Z think the term 'hooking up' is outdated - but that doesn't mean they're not doing it, instead it's now just part of the dating process.
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Hook ups are being replaced by new terms for more open dating experiences (Getty Images)Research by dating app Tinder found that for 56 per cent of young daters, the term "hook up" means something different to them than it does for older generations.
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A hook up is no longer something to be ashamed of or secretive about, Gen Z consider it to be a crucial part of getting to know their potential partner.
"Tinder daters have changed the state-of-the-date by tossing out traditional views and are embracing experiences on their own terms, not to mention a whole new vocabulary," said Melissa Hobley, Tinder's global chief marketing officer.
"Defined as a one-night stand ten years ago, only 25 per cent of young daters believe that a hook up is defined the same way today."
The majority of Tinder users are aged 18 to 25 so hook ups, especially around university, are particularly common - just labelled something new. Having a casual fling doesn't mean Gen Z aren't looking for love, they're just redefining the parameters of a relationship.
Defining a relationship has become much more complex with multiple stages before things are made official, with 84 per cent of Gen Z saying they were open to any kind of connection, even friendship.
Young people are "hopeful and optimistic" about finding healthy connections with others but aren't fussed about the label that comes with it.
The majority of Tinder users said they wanted to put self care first (Getty Images)There's also a growing number of Gen Z identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with a third saying their sexuality has become more fluid over the past three years.
De-stigmatising hook up culture allows people to explore their sexuality without feeling ashamed, leading to healthier self image and better relationships all round. Tinder has launches a new campaign, It Starts With A Swipe, to celebrate this growing diversity.
More than ever, Gen Z are putting self care and fulfilment first, with 80 per cent saying this was their top priority when looking for the one.
Paul Brunson, Tinder's Expert in Relationship Insights said, "Meeting someone new is always exciting. What's interesting for me is how adeptly young daters are making way for a low-pressure, no stereotypes, zero-labels approach that opens them up to new types of relationships.
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"Tinder has the world's largest pool of daters, and these daters are embracing authenticity. It's refreshing that singles today value strong friendships just as much as romantic relationships - the hang up on hook ups is over because this new generation has fundamentally redefined and re-owned it."