Study: Young Americans Date for Both Love and Financial Stability

Young singles in the U.S. are approaching dating with a new mindset, prioritizing both love and financial stability. Unlike previous generations, where romance often blossomed through chance encounters, today’s singles are using dating apps with clear expectations, including upward mobility.

According to the Pew Research Center, over half of individuals under 30 have used dating sites, with platforms like Score (which targets those with high credit scores) and Raya (a favorite among the affluent) gaining popularity. A 2024 survey from Bread Financial reveals that 31% of respondents would consider dating someone for their wealth, while 28% have gone on a date just for a free meal.

However, focusing on finances in the digital dating world comes with risks. The Federal Trade Commission reported over $1.3 billion lost to romance scams in 2022, often targeting those seeking financial security. Despite this, financial responsibility—rather than wealth—is increasingly important.

In an uncertain economy, dating becomes a lot more complicated and also a lot easier – most people are going to aim for potential partners that can offer financial security and stability. This could lead to platforms that focus on (or at least emphasize) financial status becoming increasingly popular, or otherwise see users actively seeking that information out in new dating trends and techniques.