MomSkoop
Dating has changed drastically over the past few decades, and nowhere is that more obvious than in how Gen Z approaches romance. What seems perfectly normal to someone in their twenties might leave their parents or grandparents scratching their heads in confusion.
From the language they use to the way they define relationships, younger generations have created an entirely new rulebook that older folks find puzzling, frustrating, or downright bizarre.
1. Situationships
Relationships used to have clear labels—boyfriend, girlfriend, dating, or nothing at all.
Gen Z has introduced a murky middle ground where two people act like a couple without ever defining what they are.
They hang out regularly, maybe even exclusively, but refuse to put a name on it.
This arrangement can last for months or even years.
To someone over 50, this feels like playing house without any commitment or direction.
Why invest time and emotion into something that isn’t going anywhere?
For Gen Z, though, situationships offer flexibility and low pressure.
Nobody has to have “the talk” or make promises they’re unsure about.
It’s comfortable ambiguity that drives older generations absolutely crazy.
2. Ghosting as a Normal Exit
Breaking up used to involve an actual conversation, even if it was uncomfortable.
Gen Z has normalized simply vanishing—no explanation, no goodbye, just radio silence.
One day you’re texting constantly, the next day they’ve disappeared from your life completely.
Older generations find this incredibly rude and cowardly.
How can someone just disappear without any closure or explanation?
Where are the manners and basic human decency?
Younger daters see ghosting differently.
They view it as avoiding confrontation and sparing feelings, even though it often causes more confusion and hurt.
It’s become so common that many Gen Zers aren’t even offended when it happens to them.
They just shrug and move on to the next person.
3. Talking to Multiple People at Once
Exclusivity once came automatically when you started seeing someone.
Gen Z operates under completely different assumptions—until you explicitly agree to be exclusive, everyone assumes you’re both seeing other people.
It’s considered normal and even smart to keep your options open.
People over 50 find this approach disrespectful and confusing.
Isn’t dating supposed to be about getting to know one person at a time?
How can you build something real when you’re dividing your attention?
Gen Z sees it as practical.
Why put all your eggs in one basket before you know if it’s going anywhere?
They’re upfront about it, and everyone involved supposedly knows the deal.
It’s efficient dating for the modern age.
4. Soft Launching Relationships
Remember when couples would simply announce they were dating?
Gen Z has turned relationship reveals into a strategic game of breadcrumbs.
They’ll post a photo showing just a hand, a shadow, or the back of someone’s head—never the full picture.
This slow reveal drives older people nuts.
Why not just post a normal photo together?
What’s with all the mystery and games?
It seems unnecessarily complicated and attention-seeking.
For younger folks, soft launching is about controlling the narrative.
They can test the waters, see how people react, and maintain some privacy before going fully public.
It’s also become a fun social media trend that everyone recognizes and participates in, even if it baffles their elders completely.
5. Dating via DMs Instead of Dates
Traditional dating meant actually going somewhere together—dinner, movies, or just a walk.
Gen Z can spend weeks or months messaging someone before they ever meet face-to-face.
The entire early relationship happens through Instagram DMs, Snapchat, or text messages.
Older generations wonder how you can possibly know someone through a screen.
Where’s the chemistry?
How do you know if there’s a real connection without spending time together in person?
Gen Z finds this approach safer and more comfortable.
They can get to know someone’s personality without the pressure of an awkward first date.
It filters out bad matches early and builds anticipation.
By the time they actually meet, they already feel like they know each other.
6. Therapy Speak in Early Dating
First dates used to be light and fun—getting to know each other’s hobbies and interests.
Now Gen Z brings up concepts like “emotional availability,” “attachment styles,” and “setting boundaries” within the first few conversations.
They analyze relationships with clinical precision.
People over 50 find this heavy and off-putting.
Why are you talking about trauma and therapy on a second date?
Can’t we just enjoy getting to know each other without dissecting every feeling?
Younger daters see this as emotional maturity.
They want to address potential issues upfront rather than waste time on incompatible partners.
Mental health awareness has made them more comfortable discussing feelings openly, even if it makes dinner conversation a bit intense for older observers.
7. Breaking Up by Text (or Voice Note)
Ending a serious relationship once required an in-person conversation, no matter how difficult.
Gen Z has made breakup texts and voice notes completely acceptable, even after months or years together.
They’ll record a three-minute message explaining why it’s over and hit send.
Older folks are appalled by this lack of respect.
If you cared about someone enough to date them seriously, don’t they deserve a face-to-face conversation?
How can you end something important so impersonally?
Gen Z argues that the medium doesn’t diminish the message.
They can express themselves more clearly in writing and avoid heated arguments.
Plus, it gives the other person time to process privately without an awkward confrontation.
To them, it’s considerate rather than cowardly.
8. Vibes Over Plans
Previous generations dated with intention—looking for marriage material, someone to build a life with.
Gen Z makes decisions based on “vibes” and “energy.” They’ll stay with someone as long as it “feels right,” regardless of compatibility or future plans.
This approach frustrates older people endlessly.
What does “good vibes” even mean?
How do you build a future on feelings that could change tomorrow?
Where’s the practical thinking about compatibility and life goals?
For Gen Z, vibes represent authenticity and emotional honesty.
They don’t want to force something that doesn’t feel natural or stay in relationships out of obligation.
Following their intuition feels more genuine than checking boxes on a compatibility list, even if it seems aimless to their elders.
9. Background Checks via Social Media
Meeting someone new used to mean learning about them gradually through conversation.
Now Gen Z conducts thorough social media investigations before the first date.
They’ll scroll through years of Instagram posts, check LinkedIn, and maybe even find their high school yearbook photo.
Older generations find this creepy and invasive.
Whatever happened to mystery and getting to know someone naturally?
Why are you stalking someone you haven’t even met yet?
Gen Z sees it as common sense safety and efficiency.
Why waste time on a date with someone whose values don’t align with yours?
Social media research helps them spot red flags early and feel safer meeting strangers.
It’s due diligence, not stalking, in their eyes.
10. Deliberate Delayed Milestones
Older generations often moved quickly—engaged within a year, married shortly after.
Gen Z deliberately slows everything down.
They might date for years before using labels, live separately well into their relationship, and postpone major commitments indefinitely.
People over 50 wonder what they’re waiting for.
If you’ve been together three years, why aren’t you engaged?
Are you serious about each other or just wasting time?
Gen Z views this patience as wisdom, not hesitation.
They’ve seen their parents’ generation divorce at high rates and want to be absolutely certain before making big commitments.
They’re building careers, discovering themselves, and refusing to rush into life-changing decisions.
Financial stability matters more than timelines to them.
11. Dating as Personal Growth
Relationships used to be about partnership and companionship.
Gen Z evaluates dating through the lens of self-improvement and personal development.
They ask whether a relationship “serves their journey” or “aligns with their growth.” Partners become part of a self-actualization project.
Older people find this language self-centered and strange.
Isn’t love supposed to be about the other person too?
Why does everything have to be about personal growth and self-discovery?
Gen Z believes relationships should enhance their lives, not complete them.
They want partners who challenge them, support their goals, and contribute to their development as individuals.
It’s not selfish—it’s ensuring both people thrive.
Settling for less feels like betraying themselves and their potential futures.
12. Ending Things for Mental Health Reasons
Breaking up used to require a serious reason—cheating, fighting, or fundamental incompatibility.
Gen Z will end perfectly good relationships simply because they need to “focus on mental health” or “work on themselves.” Everything seems fine, then suddenly it’s over.
Older generations find this confusing and frustrating.
If nothing’s wrong, why end it?
Are you just running away from commitment?
What happened to working through challenges together?
For Gen Z, prioritizing mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
They recognize when they’re not in the right headspace for a relationship, even if their partner is great.
They’d rather step back than drag someone through their personal struggles.
It’s self-awareness and boundary-setting, not flakiness, though their elders rarely see it that way.