Who are Millennials?
We've been there. We've tried to make conversation with someone born in a different generation—awkward?
Oh, are you on Snapchat? No.
Well, do you know what an MP3 is? Uh, no.
Whether it's Gen Z or Millennials, talking to someone outside your generation is bound to happen. This is true in real life, but also on dating apps.
According to Statista, millennials make up 61% of dating app users and Gen Z comes in at 26%.
Are you a Gen Z single looking to date someone older? Or, maybe just curious about Millennial dating statistics?
If so, you're in the right place.
Here's everything you need to know when it comes to Millennials and Gen Z dating.
In 2024, this is where Millennials and Gen Z stand when it comes to dating, dating apps, and love.
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are born between 1981 and 1996. They're called Millennials because the oldest members of this generation became adults at the turn of the millennium (year 2000).
Even among Millennials and Millennials dating, there's the potential for a 15-year age gap.
As of 2024, Millennials are between the ages of 28 and 43.
Millennial dating is characterized by an adventurous spirit and a preference for experiences over possessions. They prioritize strong relationships with family, friends, and their superiors. Millennials seek meaningful connections and personal fulfillment and are not scared to meet and achieve these goals through open-minded and creative approaches.
What do Millennials Like to Do?
Though not an exhaustive list, here's what millennials prefer to do:
- Travel
- Tech and gadgets
- Sports
- Socialize
- Baking
- Food
- Hike
- Music
- Reading
- DIY and crafts
Millennial Online Dating Statistics
Are Millennials on dating apps? Do Millennials date Gen Z? If not, who are they dating?
Here are some Millennial dating stats to help you get the inside scoop:
72% of Millennials consciously decide to be single: This highlights their value of freedom and independence.
Only 44% of Millennials are married: This suggests millennials aren't confined to traditional marriage structures like previous generations.
43% of Millennials daters say their ideal relationship is non-monogamous, and 43% say it's monogamous: This shows Millennials and their diverse attitudes towards relationship structures.
Millennials spend an average of two hours a day on dating apps: This shows Millennials are actively looking for love and companionship on dating apps.
Here's a fun (and insightful) fact: The most common Millennial date activity is to grab a coffee, with nearly 1 in 2 Millennial daters doing this.
How to Win Millennials Over
Millennial dating can be tricky to master. They value their freedom but also want to settle down and start a family.
If you're a Gen Z single looking for a Millennial or a Millennial yourself, here's what you can do:
Prioritize experiences: Millennial dates should be crafted around experiences and memories rather than material things. Think painting, strolls, and pottery classes–not going on a shopping spree.
Be passionate about good causes: Millennial daters have strong values that they stick behind. Examples of good causes include social justice, climate change, and being eco-friendly.
Enjoy the free stuff: You don't always need to spend money or go on expensive dates. Millennials are amongst the most financially smart generations. Something low-cost, like a picnic, or free, like a sunset walk, are great date ideas for a millennial.
Avoid pressure: Millennials value their freedom and ability to make choices. When talking to a millennial, keep things relaxed and casual.
Give recognition: Be an active listener and make your millennial date feel heard. Acknowledge and celebrate not only their achievements but also the effort they put in.
Who is Gen Z?
After Y comes Z–enter Generation Z! This generational cohort, born between 1997 and 2012, is now making waves in the dating scene. As of 2024, the age range of this demographic is between the ages of 12 and 27.
Those that belong to the Gen Z generation are called Zoomers.
For our purposes, we're focusing on Gen Z singles who are 18 or older. They are the ones currently navigating the world of dating, dating apps, and relationships.
Zoomers are all about being open-minded and proactive. Influenced by their amplified digital voices, when they see something, they say something. This generation tends to value technology and uses their tech skills to make a difference. Zoomers care about authenticity, inclusivity, and practicality.
What Does Gen Z Like to Do?
Here's what Gen Z singles enjoy for fun:
- Video games
- VR/AR
- Gym
- Self-improvement
- Learning
- Trendsetting
- Social media
- Video and music streaming
- Entrepreneurship
Gen Z Online Dating Statistics
What's going on with Gen Z singles when it comes to dating? Here are Gen Z dating statistics to help you understand Zoomers better.
75% of Gen Z are single: Many Gen Z singles are focusing on personal growth and education.
90% of Gen Z singles say they are frustrated with dating apps: They find the current dating apps ineffective and unsatisfactory, believing they are more about making money than playing as a matchmaker.
Gen Z is having less casual sex than previous generations, with only 24% engaging in casual sex: Gen Z singles prioritize meaningful connections over casual encounters.
The majority of Gen Z daters believe in splitting the costs of dating: They value equality and fairness in relationships.
Almost three-quarters (74%) of Gen Z daters say they wouldn't match with someone who holds different views on issues: Social justice, environment, and civil rights issues are a major priority for this generation.
How to Win Zoomers
Like Millennials, Gen Z singles have their own set of preferences and wants when seeking a partner.
Here's how to win over a Gen Z single and score more Gen Z dates..
Be authentic: Zoomers almost have a 6th sense for all things phony and fake. Be genuine when interacting with them.
Empathy goes a long way: Gen Z singles value partners who are empathetic, understanding, and supportive of mental health and well-being. Zoomers are more prone to anxiety than any other generation.
Be Inclusive: Zoomers seek partners who embrace diversity and inclusivity.
How are Millennial and Gen Z Marriage Rates Different?
Marriage is the ideal way to tie the knot and make things official.
But, is the idea of marriage too traditional for open-minded Millennials and Gen Z couples?
It's not too traditional–both generations still want to get married. However, the actual marriage rates seem to be telling a different story.
Millennial and Gen Z Marriage Rate Decreases
The marriage rates are decreasing across all levels. According to the U.S. Credit Bureau, only 29% of Millennials and Gen Zers were married in 2018. This is compared to the 59% of 18-to-34-year-olds in 1978.
If we do the math, Millennials and Gen Z couples are 2x less likely to get married today compared to just a few decades ago.
Marriage Interest Remains High
But, here's the conundrum. Millennial and Gen Z singles want to get married, and that's still the case today. More than 80% of Zoomers imagine their wedding days. Most of them expect to be married within two to five years.
Millennials also want to get married–but not as much. Two-thirds of millennials hope to marry sometime, with a quarter of them citing they haven't found a person with the right qualities yet.
How Are Millennial and Gen Z Couples Meeting?
Millennial couples vs Gen Z couples–they're meeting in different ways.
Only 16% of engaged Gen Z singles met their partner online. This is compared to the 26% of Millennials who met their partners the same way.
The most popular way Gen Z singles met their partner was in college or grad school. One in four Zoomers meets the love of their lives this way.
For Millennials, 18% of them met their future wedding partners through mutual friends.
Why Are Zoomers Ditching the Dating Apps?
You'd think Gen Z singles would be all over the dating apps–after all, scrolling almost feels like a game.
But, here's the truth. Gen Z singles are pivoting from dating apps. On the surface, this may be surprising, but it makes more sense when we consider the Gen Z dating statistics covered earlier.
Zoomers have strong values when it comes to being authentic and transparent.
Many Gen Z singles believe dating apps aren't considered cool anymore. They're fearful of rejection that comes with ghosting–a common practice where matches stop responding. They're also becoming hyper-aware of the paywalls that some dating apps have. They believe dating apps are becoming primarily a business model first and a matchmaker second.
Can Millennials and Gen Z date?
As a recap:
Millennials: Born between 1981 and 1996.
Gen Z: Born between 1997 and 2012.
This means the smallest age gap between Millennials and Gen Z would be just one year.
Dating someone with an age gap is a personal choice. The only thing is to ensure that both partners are legal, consenting adults.
Pro dating tip: Successful relationships between Millennials and Gen Z couples can thrive when both parties are open-minded, communicate effectively, and respect each other's generational perspectives.
At ToGetHer.com, we're home to Millennial and Gen Z singles looking for true love.
Most of you want to get married in the future–let's make that happen here.
We provide a secure space where Millennials, Gen Z, and all other generations can connect and build meaningful relationships.
Join us today and be part of a community that values respect and authenticity.
