QuackQuack Survey: Evolving Dating Norms Among Indian Youth

A new survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals a generational shift in how young adults approach romantic relationships, with GenZ and Millennials navigating modern dating on their own, distinct terms. The survey, conducted throughout the first two thirds of April 2025, gathered responses from over 10,000 users between the ages of 18 and 35 across metro, suburban, and rural India.

While terms like “breadcrumbing” and “ghosting” have become part of the dating vocabulary, the study suggests these labels point to a deeper awareness and intentionality. According to QuackQuack founder and CEO Ravi Mittal, “The two generations have a gap in the way they approach dating, but, somewhere, it gets bridged by a common factor—they are both becoming increasingly aware and their willingness to beat all odds and find genuine connections.”

GenZ daters, especially those aged 20–25, stood out for their proactive stance against relationship ambiguity. Forty-three percent reported using clear boundaries to push back against vague romantic signals. As one respondent from Delhi put it, “We are not afraid of asking, ‘Is this going anywhere?’”

Millennials, meanwhile, bring a different strength: emotional depth. The survey found that four in five Millennials are more deliberate when defining relationships. As one 30-year-old respondent noted, “We can spot red flags just like the GenZs, but our emotional depth drives us to find greens in people rather than reds.”

The report also indicates a broader cultural shift. Over 30% of respondents across both generations reported a decline in toxic dating trends, a sign that a more thoughtful, intentional dating culture may be taking root.