Dating in America today looks very different from what it did even a generation ago. People marry later in life, meet partners through algorithms instead of friends, and have to budget carefully for a night out. Some singles are even turning to AI as a dating coach. These seven facts help us speak the modern era’s love language.
7 American Dating Facts
1. Online dating is the go-to option. (Source)
Swiping through potential dates isn’t a niche option anymore. In a 2022 survey of 6,034 adults, 30% of Americans said they’ve used an online dating site or dating app. Earlier Pew surveys in the previous decade showed only a small fraction of respondents using online dating services.
2. The internet has replaced friends as matchmakers. (Source)
In decades past, the most popular way to meet a partner was through getting set up by a friend. Now algorithms do the work. A sociologist found that 39% of heterosexual couples reported meeting their partner online, compared to just 22% in 2009. This is further proof that online dating is growing in popularity.
3. Americans are marrying later than ever. (Source)
Couples are taking their time before making their vows. The U.S. Census Bureau data shows that the median age for a first marriage has increased to 30.8 for men and 28.4 for women. This is up from ages 23.5 and 21.1 in 1975.
4. Many singles are happy being on their own. (Source)
Being single doesn’t always mean someone is searching for companionship. In a 2026 Singles in America study, 52.4% of single adults reported being happier on their own than they had been in a previous relationship. Almost half said they hadn’t gone on an in-person date in the last year.
5. Gen Z wants to meet potential dates face-to-face. (Source)
The generation that grew up online is eager to log off when it comes to dating. A survey found that only 16% of Gen Z respondents favor dating apps. 90.24% of survey respondents said they’d rather meet up in person for a date.
6. AI has entered the dating scene. (Source)
Daters are open to AI in their dating experience as long as they’re still in charge. 80% of American survey respondents said they are generally comfortable with AI assistance in their dating journey, but 88% said they want full control of how AI is used. Respondents wanted to use AI to get faster responses to common questions, get better matches based on their values and conversation style, and were open to AI help to improve their profile and attract better matches.
7. Date nights are very costly in some cities. (Source)
A night out always costs more than a night in, but that gap widens in certain cities. In Oakland, California, a night out including dinner, drinks, a taxi, and movie tickets costs around $226.84, compared with a $67.96 night in for a steak dinner, beer, and movie rental.
Featured image photo credit: Bonaventure Fernandez
