Gen Z Daters Turn to ‘Chalance’ For Meaningful Matches

The latest dating lexicon addition sweeping profiles across both dating and social appsTok is “chalance” – a tongue-in-cheek repurposing of the word “nonchalance,” used to convey the opposite: someone who is unapologetically invested. Across dating apps, users are now signaling that they want partners who show authentic effort and intentionality, not detached ambivalence.

The rise isn’t anecdotal. A recent report from Hinge notes that search interest in “chalant” has surged nearly 217 percent in 2025, suggesting a shift in what daters are valuing. “Effort is having a moment,” says Moe Ari Brown, a relationship expert at Hinge. According to Brown, more daters – especially women – find thoughtful gestures and consistent attention more compelling than flashy or expensive dates.

In essence, “to date with chalance” is to show eagerness, consistency, and genuine interest: sending the right message, remembering small details, acting on what your partner values, and not leaving communication ambiguous. Rather than performative displays, chalance is positioned as a grounded language of care, one where vulnerability and emotional investment are no longer “too much.” As Brown puts it: “Chalance is tailored to the relationship; it’s not about showing effort in every direction – it’s about a unique, authentic dating experience.”

For dating apps, this trend could carry implications beyond wordplay. Platforms that already emphasize quality matching and relationship signals may find this aligns neatly with their positioning. Others may need to reconsider how they measure success – shifting from “swipe volume” to metrics around responsiveness, engagement, and depth of exchange. While many users were already focusing on meaningful dating, having a trending term related to it could lead to a sudden surge in users that realise it also applies to their own wants and needs.

As chalance becomes more visible, it’s less of a fad than a cultural nudge: users may be rethinking how they actually want to approach dating, and making it more clear from the outset that they want a partner who cares about a long-term connection.