Millennial and Gen-Z dating: Young, single and free to mingle
With more choice, freedom, and fun than ever, it’s no wonder Millennials and Gen Z are delaying settling down. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely unwanted.
Over the last century, we’ve witnessed a huge shift in how we approach relationships. For family members just a few generations before us, being single was a relationship status best avoided.
Finding someone, settling down, and securing your future were top priorities for most. Now, there’s a much more laissez-faire approach to finding ‘The One’.
As an unmarried, almost 30-year-old, my place would be firmly on the shelf had I been born 50 years sooner. But in 2025, it’s not looked at this way. I’m in my prime — enjoying my youth, and I don’t need a ring or a baby to come between that.
With more choice, freedom, and fun than ever, it’s no wonder Millennials and Gen Z are delaying settling down. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely unwanted.
Love, dating, and relationships are still happening all around, and for many single people, finding a life partner is on their list of priorities—it just may not be number one.
David Quinlan, a 28-year-old expat currently living in Berlin, is single but not in a rush to start a new relationship. “I think I’m probably more of a relationship person, but that doesn’t mean that I’ll rush into one just for the sake of it — it needs to feel right.”
Quinlan, who works in retail, is focusing on the advantages of being single for now. “A pro of being single is that fewer factors go into making a decision. For example, after my recent breakup, I reevaluated my life and what I wanted to do with it and made the decision to come back to Ireland and go back to college.
“I know that I 100% would not have made that decision if I were still in a relationship because I would have had to sacrifice the relationship to do that, which I wasn’t prepared to do at the time.”
Also focusing on herself is 30-year-old Shireen Langan, a radio host and DJ at Spin.
“I’m in a really good position where meeting someone would only be a positive if they came into my life,” she says. “I’m settled and happy with where I am right now, so if I were to find someone, fun is the key element I’m looking for. I think some people can get bogged down by being single, but I always say enjoy it while you’re young. Go and do things. Get on a plane and travel. Make some memories.”
Being single also means you can turn the green light on for love. In 2025, there are more resources than ever to meet a potential partner. However, a chat with a single person will quickly conclude that dating apps aren’t modern love’s saving grace. In response, some singletons are taking dating into their own hands.
Lina Thuvander, 35, is bringing a new dating and matchmaking service to Ireland with her friend, Emma O’Neill. After finding dating apps challenging to navigate, she’s bringing Matchbox, a popular speed-dating event in the US, to our shores.
“Apps have made dating feel like a game, making it harder to find genuine connections. The modern dating landscape is complex and often frustrating,” says Thuvander, who is originally from Sweden.
Hoping to help other people find connections, Thuvander is also open to the possibility of finding love herself through her new venture.
“Compatibility, shared values, and deeper connections are crucial, and that’s what really matters to me. I’m excited about the possibility of finding a partner through this journey.”
Thuvander is not the only person taking matters into her own hands. Earlier this year, Shireen Langan launched a campaign to find a ‘24-hour boyfriend’.
The project came about after she accidentally signed herself up for a couples photoshoot at The Cliffs of Moher.
Instead of turning the opportunity down, she set herself the mission to find a stand-in boyfriend — a bit of fun, sure, but she also admits it could make for an unusual meet-cute.
“My search was actually successful. I had a fireman get in touch who was called to my station after I fainted at work.
“It’s funny how the world works. I’m not looking for a long-term boyfriend from this, but it could be cool to meet someone through it. At the very least, it will be a funny memory to look back on.”
‘Looking for love but enjoying myself along the way’ seems to be modern love’s mantra.
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