Dating Diaries: Dating Dealbreakers

In today's fast-paced and uncertain world, love faces new challenges. eharmony's latest Dating Diaries reveal how singles across generations are navigating romance amid their political views, tight budgets, and career priorities. Discover what truly drives modern dating choices-and how real connection still wins hearts across any divide. eharmony and our relationship experts are here to uncover all the dating and relationship trends American singles are experiencing in 2025.

Red Flags and Blue Hearts: Are Your Politics a Non-Starter?

Recently, 'Love Is Blind' dominated headlines over two of its couples breaking up at the altar over political views.  While 'Love Is Blind' showed love may not always cross the political aisle, recent eharmony Dating Diaries data shows that majority of single Americans are still willing to give daters with different views a chance - as only 23% of US respondents said different political views could lead to them turning down a date. 

Here's where Gen Z and Millennials agree and disagree:

• 28% of Gen Z said different political views could lead to them turning down a date, whereas 21% of millennials said the same 

• Only 13% of Gen Z said similar political views could persuade them to travel a greater distance for a date, whereas 14% of millennials said the same 

Love and Money in 2025

With news of a potential recession on the horizon, the stock market in a downturn, and inflation driving up everyday expenses while wages are struggling to keep pace, people are making pragmatic choices about relationships and weighing the cost of romance against their financial and career ambitions. In fact, new Dating Diaries data from eharmony finds that 75% of singles say they wouldn't sacrifice their financial goals to find love, and 77% wouldn't jeopardize their career trajectory for a relationship. This mindset spans generations, with Baby Boomers (90%) being the most committed to financial stability, while Gen Z (81%) is the most focused on career growth. 

Financial concerns are also reshaping how singles spend on dating. eharmony's new Dating Diaries study finds just how much singles are willing to spend each month on travel expenses for dating. It also shows how singles are juggling work demands with finding love, with 47% of US respondents saying their working hours are stopping them from dedicating more time to dating. 

Money Hindering Americans' Dating Lives:

• Two thirds of US respondents (66%) aren't willing to spend more than $120/month on dating travel expenses; 90% aren't willing to spend more than $200/month 

• 74% of women aren't willing to spend more than $120/month on dating travel expenses; even further - 45% of women won't spend more than $60/month on dating 

• Roughly 1 in 4 (26%) US respondents say having to spend too much of their money is a concern that could lead them to turning down a date 

• 16% of US respondents would travel a greater distance for a date if they knew the other person was paying the entire bill 

• 13% men vs 20% of women 

• 40% of US respondents say they are reluctant to being in a long-distance relationship because of how much money it costs to travel 

• 52% of baby boomers say they are reluctant to being in a long-distance relationship because of how much money it costs to travel. 

Dating Choices Driven by Convenience

While Gen Z and millennials are eager to find love, and feel they have the time needed to dedicate to dating, they still prioritize convenience in dating. In fact, new Dating Diaries data from eharmony finds that while 72% of Gen Z and 65% of millennials said they feel like they have as much time as they'd like to dedicate to dating, 95% of Gen Z and 93% of millennials said convenience is a consideration when making decisions about dating. 

These generations don't want to waste time with a first date if they don't feel a connection. This prioritization of convenience impacts their dating life and leaves Gen Z and millennials feeling as if people are less willing to put effort into dating and are flakier with dating plans. In fact, 54% of Gen Z and 52% of millennial respondents said the desire for convenience and instant gratification means people are less willing to put in effort to date. 

Yet, eharmony data shows if Gen Z and millennials feel a strong connection, they are willing to travel the distance and put in the extra effort for a date, with nearly 50% of Gen Z (49%) and Millennials (50%) stating if they have a strong feeling they'd have a good connection with a person, they'd travel a greater distance for a date. Meaning, building those authentic connections are more important than ever - right from the first date. 

Long Distance vs. Relocating for Love

Living in the age of the digital era, it's never been easier to stay connected to people across cities, time zones, and even countries. But how does that impact the world of dating?   

New Dating Diaries data from eharmony finds more than 40% of singles (43%) would move to another state, and 31% would go as far as moving to an entirely new country to find love. Overall, finding love was clearly a top priority for singles with 68% saying it's either the most important or very important. 36% of singles are even willing to sacrifice being physically close to their family and friends in order to find love.   

However, despite having the tools at their fingertips to stay connected, the desire to live in the same location as their partner remains clear (even if that means they have to relocate to be with them). 1 in 4 women (25%) saying they'd only consider a long-distance relationship if they knew it was a short-term situation.  

Methodology

Dating Diaries: Dating Dealbreakers report was commissioned by eharmony and conducted by 3Gem. It was fielded online between March 20th and March 27th, 2025, and surveyed 2,000 participants. Participants qualified if they were aged 18-64 and were open to online dating. Results were weighted to be nationally representative.