Go for love in 2025: 5 dating trends to watch out for

In 2025, it's not about perfection in the dating scene. It's about emotional vulnerability and shared values.

If, in 2024, people were focused on prioritizing themselves in dating, Bumble predicts 2025 will be the year when singles are clear "about what they want and need."

A research conducted by the women-led dating app in September 2024 shows that most (72%) of those surveyed are looking to find a long-term partner in 2025.

However, 62% of women asserted their independence by stating they are no longer making compromises in dating. Instead, they will be more honest regarding what they want in a partner, a powerful shift in the dating landscape.

Here are some other dating trend predictions based on Bumble's research, which had a sample of 41,294 members aged between 18 to 35 around the world, including the Philippines.

1. Micro-mance

In the Philippines, 55% of women are self-proclaimed "romantics who love love" inspired by rom-coms and adoration for meet-cutes.

But instead of grand gestures, people are more inclined to embrace romance through "micro-mance," a term for expressing your feelings through minor gestures.

A whopping 97% of Filipino singles surveyed agreed that showing love and affection now includes sending memes, creating a playlist, or sharing inside jokes or morning coffee walks.

2. DWM (Date With Me)

The study showed that 66% of Filipino singles appreciate a more authentic approach to dating and relationships when it comes to the content they see on social media.

Moreover, more than half of Filipino singles (56%) agreed that realistic and positive dating content on social media "leads to optimism about their own love lives."

3. On The Same (Fan) Page

In 2024, Bumble predicted that a shared love for sports might result in a great connection, but other communities, such as book clubs, run clubs, gaming, and other activities, may also spark a connection between two people.  

More than half (56%) of Filipino singles surveyed said that "unique and quirky interests are now key to attraction," and 52% of Gen Z Filipino singles agreed that "geeking out on something together is a form of intimacy."

4. Future-proofing

An overwhelming majority of singles globally (95%) said they worry about their future when choosing who to date. Because of this, the study revealed that 65% of Filipino women look for a partner who is "emotionally consistent, reliable, and has clear goals when it comes to their life."

Moreover, the survey revealed that one in four women globally are pushing conversations about budgeting, housing, climate change, and job ambitions early on in the relationship.

5. Guys That Get It

Single women globally are becoming more and more open about discussing their dating life with their male friends, with 31% of those surveyed saying "they are more open with their male friends than they used to be about their dating lives."

For Filipino women, 34% of those surveyed said they now ask their male friends to "filter potential dates," and most women (58%) rely on their male friends to explain men's dating behavior.

—Hermes Joy Tunac/MGP, GMA Integrated News