Hinge's Summer 2022 Dating Predictions: Gen Z Daters are Rejecting Drinking on Dates

As singles prepare for a summer of love, Hinge is revealing this year’s summer dating predictions. After surveying Hinge daters worldwide, our research shows that getting drinks on a first date are no longer a go-to for Gen Z daters. In fact, 75% of global Hinge singles say going to get drinks is no longer their preferred first date activity.

Here are the full findings of Hinge’s Summer 2022 Dating Research:

• Gen Z daters are more comfortable saying no to alcohol. Gen Z daters are 46% more likely than millennial daters to say they prefer first dates that don’t involve drinking.
• Gen Z daters don’t feel the same pressure millennials do to drink. Millennial daters are 50% more likely than Gen Z daters to say they had alcohol on a date when they would have preferred not to drink.
• Singles want dates that create a real connection. More than half (55%) of Hinge singles prefer non-alcoholic dates because they want to be in the right state of mind while getting to know their potential partner.
• Daters are also prioritizing their well-being more. 45% of Hinge singles prefer not drinking on dates to prioritize their physical and mental health, and 24% of Hinge daters say it’s to save money.
• Being intoxicated on the first date is a red flag! Two in three Hinge daters say it would be a dealbreaker if a date drinks too much on a first date.

“If you want to try something different this summer, suggest a date that doesn’t involve alcohol,” said Logan Ury, Hinge’s Director of Relationship Science. “In addition to saving money, you’ll also have the chance to connect more authentically. And that’s one of the best ways to have a first date turn into a second one.”

Logan Ury’s top tips for going on non-alcoholic dates:

• Design a pre-date ritual as an alternative to liquid confidence. Singles say they rely on drinking on early dates to help them relax and enjoy themselves. What are alcohol-free alternatives to produce the same outcome? You can design a pre-date ritual to help you get into the same confident mindset. Listen to a pump up playlist, call a friend for a pep talk, or make a mental list of all the reasons why you’d be a great partner.
• Plan a creative date. There are plenty of fun date ideas that don’t require alcohol. You can play mini golf, go on a taco crawl, have a picnic in a park, or visit a café with live music. Skip the cocktails and focus on date ideas that involve play and connection.
• Know your boundaries. It’s helpful to be upfront about your preferences. If you don’t drink, do you mind if your date does? Let the other person know what you feel comfortable with. They might not know how to navigate the conversation, so lead the way by sharing vulnerably and making them feel safe asking questions.

If you’re interested in learning more about these findings, contact press@hinge.co.

*Hinge conducted surveys in May 2022 to more than 3,000 global respondents.