Dating has always had its ups and downs, but for many young people today, one major hurdle is making them rethink the whole thing: money.
A recent survey from DatingNews.com in collaboration with the Kinsey Institute found that 43 percent of young U.S. singles are going on fewer dates, and 37 percent are cutting back on dating overall. Even more telling: 33 percent say the current economy is the reason they hesitate to date. News at IU+2DatingNews.com+2
Let that sink in — it’s not ghosting. It’s financial stress.
Generational Gaps: Who Feels It Most?
The financial squeeze doesn’t hit evenly across age groups. In fact, the survey shows:
- 50 percent of Gen Z say their love life is delayed by money worries
- 37 percent of Millennials echo that
- 30 percent of Gen X, and
- 20 percent of Baby Boomers DatingNews.com+1
The honeymoon phase of financial worry tends to fade with age. Baby Boomers, for instance, report being less affected—likely thanks to greater stability. News at IU
When the Push to Commit Is Financial Too
Here’s where it gets interesting: money isn’t just slowing down dating — for some, it’s accelerating commitment. The same study reveals that 23 percent of singles say they’d fast-track cohabitation (moving in together) just to share costs. DatingNews.com
Things are hitting a snag for young people dating (Getty Stock Image)
For those already in relationships, combining households can feel like a pragmatic fix—rent, utilities, groceries all get split. But experts urge caution: moving in too soon out of financial pressure can lead to what’s sometimes called “financial coupling,” where the relationship is held together more by a lease than by shared values. VegOut+1
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Dr. Justin Lehmiller, a lead author of the study, sums it nicely:
“Some young adults are putting their love lives on hold while they build a firmer financial base, while others view marriage or shared living as a path to financial stability.” DatingNews.com
What This Means for Modern Dating
Not only is money a worry for dating, it’s being committed as well (Getty Stock Image)
- Affordable dates are trending
When money’s tight, people are choosing coffee dates, walks in the park, or home-cooked dinners over expensive dinners or fancy nights out. VegOut+1 - Financial openness is sexy
Younger daters are more comfortable dropping the taboo around money talk. Budgeting, splitting bills, and transparency about debt/income show up earlier in relationships. DatingNews.com - Boundaries and pace matter
Not every couple should rush to move in together. Ensuring emotional compatibility and healthy communication before layering finances on top reduces long-term stress. - Delay ≠ resignation
Many are simply pressing pause, not giving up. Focus shifts—career, personal growth, saving—until they feel secure enough to open their hearts again.
Final Thought
In 2025, the biggest barrier keeping young singles from dating isn’t apps or tech—it’s the price tag. Yet love isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving. Thoughtful conversations about money, realistic expectations, and smarter date choices may help bridge the gap between desire and dollars.
Want to dig deeper?
Check out the full Kinsey Institute media release on the study here. News at IU
Or read more on moving in sooner for financial relief via DatingNews.com. DatingNews.com
