Dating Diaries: 2025 Dating and Relationship Trends

Every year the dating world morphs and changes with new technology and shifting societal standards, from the cost-of-living crisis to pop culture trends. eharmony and our relationship experts are here to uncover all the dating, sex and relationship trends British singles are experiencing right now and as we move into 2025.

The romantic cost of living

Moving in with a partner is major step in any relationship. But with the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on everyone’s wallets, new research from dating app eharmony has found that the majority of singles in the UK (76%) believe this is causing people to move in with their partners sooner – just to save on rent and living expenses.

This begs the question: how can couples juggle the practical side of moving in together with being emotionally ready? While it might seem a quick fix financially, rushing into co-habitating brings its own challenges when it comes to keeping the relationship strong and healthy.

Making a list, checking it twice

2024 was the year of ‘icks’. From loud breathing to not being able to get the waiter’s attention, the list of off-putting traits goes on. But in 2025, will things be different? New research from dating app eharmony suggests that people are not as nit-picky as the ‘ick’ craze led us to believe. In the quest for love and forming authentic relationships, are people more open–minded than we think?

eharmony’s research finds that 77% of UK singles are willing to compromise on desired traits for love. And those top traits are interests and hobbies (38%), job (30%) and political values (27%). But not everyone is willing to look past the ‘check-list’. More than 1 in 3 UK singles would be willing to wait forever to find someone who ticks all the boxes.

The dating renaissance

More people than ever are experiencing dating fatigue, overwhelmed by endless swiping and shallow connections. However, recent findings from a survey by eharmony suggest optimism for the year ahead is high, with 80% of people feeling positive about their dating prospects.

• 72% intend to use online dating apps – Indicating a continued reliance on digital platforms to find love
• 52% plan to increase their dating activities compared to 2024
• 55% of people are looking for romantic relationships with emotional depth – highlighting a notable shift towards those seeking a deeper connection with potential partners
• 50% said their biggest dating resolution was to find a long-term partner, followed by getting to know oneself better before settling down (22%)

Methodology

Dating Diaries: 2025 Dating and Relationship Trends report was commissioned by eharmony and conducted by 3Gem. It was fielded online between November 13th and November 24th, 2024 and surveyed 1,000 participants. Participants qualified if they were aged 18+ and dated in the past year/are in a relationship. Results were weighted to be nationally representative.

For more information or questions regarding this study, you can email press@eharmony.co.uk.