As economic pressures mount, Gen Z is rethinking traditional dating norms, prioritizing financial responsibility and meaningful connections over extravagant spending.

Young adults are reevaluating how they search for romantic partners in light of rising economic anxiety. With many struggling to find stable jobs, dealing with inflation, and facing the return of student-loan payments, the financial strain is reshaping dating habits for Gen Z. According to a July report from Bank of America, about a third of Gen Z individuals feel stressed about money, and roughly 53% of them do not spend money on romantic dates, with 28% spending less than $100 a month on them.

This shift is evident in the stories of many young people, who are now taking a break from dating or opting for cheaper alternatives, such as free community events, friend gatherings, or even virtual meetups. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin notes that the idea of extravagant spending on dates, often portrayed in pop culture and social media, is being reconsidered as economic uncertainty grows. “We were fed the idea that big spending on dates was the way to find love,” she says, “but now, people are realizing that it’s not necessary.”

The traditional norms around who pays for dates are also evolving. While some still adhere to the idea that the person initiating the date should cover the costs, others advocate for splitting the bill or taking turns to show mutual interest. Relationship expert Moe Brown emphasizes the importance of communication in determining who pays, suggesting that disagreements on this matter could be an early sign of incompatibility. “If you can’t agree on who pays for a date, you’re probably not a good match to begin with,” Brown says.

In addition to financial considerations, the focus is shifting from spending money to spending meaningfully. As financial educator Tiffany Aliche recalls, a thoughtful and intentional date—like visiting cookie shops together—can create a memorable experience without a large financial investment. Aliche emphasizes that when money is tight, being even more thoughtful and aligning with a person’s interests can lead to a more fulfilling connection.

According to a 2024 LendingTree survey, roughly 67% of daters say they wouldn’t be offended if someone took them on a free date, and many see financial responsibility as a positive trait in a potential partner. “Financial responsibility is a green flag,” says Bryan-Podvin, “so more often than not, a new partner would be thrilled that you’re flexing financial savviness when dating.”

For many, the key to finding love in today’s economy lies in being honest about financial limits and prioritizing connection over cost. Whether it’s through free events, shared expenses, or intentional planning, young adults are finding creative and affordable ways to build relationships without the pressure of high costs.

As the dating landscape evolves, communication remains a cornerstone of successful relationships. As one writer reflects, having discussions about financial expectations early on can prevent misunderstandings later. “Having that discussion sooner rather than later would have been the smarter thing to do,” she writes, reflecting on a past experience where she didn’t ask about her date’s financial approach until after he had already paid for two dates and then disappeared.

Ultimately, the message is clear: love doesn’t have to be expensive—it just has to be intentional. As more young people navigate the challenges of dating in a high-cost environment, the emphasis is on authenticity, communication, and finding joy in the little things—whether it’s a free rooftop party, a shared cup of coffee, or a thoughtful date that aligns with both people’s interests and values.