Personality Archetypes See A Resurgence As A Dating Tool

Personality archetypes such as “Golden Retriever Energy” and “Black Cat Energy” are becoming popular filters in online dating, according to a survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack. The study of 10,384 Gen Z and Millennial users across major and found that 6 out of 10 daters now use these labels as valid matching criteria – something that Tinder reserach also hinted at back in 2025.

Golden Retriever Energy typically refers to warm, enthusiastic, optimistic, and emotionally open traits, while Black Cat Energy describes more reserved, selective, quiet, and mysterious personalities. The survey showed that 41% of daters seek complementary matches rather than similar ones. Fifty-six percent of those identifying as Black Cat types intentionally look for Golden Retriever partners, while 46% of Golden Retrievers prefer calmer, more reserved matches. Six out of ten long-term couples reported that this dynamic creates emotional balance, with one partner bringing spontaneity and the other providing stability.

These shorthand labels have gained popularity because they allow users to communicate dating styles and expectations efficiently. Thirty-four percent of men and 38% of women in cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai said they prefer profiles that include personality archetypes, finding them more approachable than lengthy self-descriptions. For Gen Z users, the labels reduce awkwardness in initial interactions by setting clearer expectations.

The findings indicate a broader shift away from superficial traits toward emotional compatibility. Over 43% of daters aged 25-35 said personality archetypes now influence their choices more than physical appearance. Users reported greater interest in signals of emotional maturity and self-awareness conveyed by these labels.