RAVI Mittal, founder, and CEO of India's home-grown dating app QuackQuack commented, "This past couple of years, we have seen several dating trends come and go. Virtual first dates are on the rise post-pandemic.
"Almost 22% of our 21 million users have had a virtual first date this 2022. We are hopeful it will slide smoothly into 2023 as well."
The app surveyed 15 000 users aged 25 to 35 for insights into the dating trends to be expected in 2023.
Ethical sex-ploration
Ethical sex-ploration shows how ways of dating have changed. Some 19% of daters, men and women aged between 28 and 32, explained how "New Age daters" are approaching sex, intimacy, and dating in a more open and exploratory way.
They said sex is no longer taboo, and emphasised the importance of discussing intimate desires and needs in the initial stages of the relationship.
This trend equally makes sure that people not seeking sex during the dating phase are not judged based on their choice.
Love-life balance
It finally seems there's going to be some love-life balance after all in 2023.
Some 22% of daters disclosed that job titles are no longer a status symbol, and young daters are more focused on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. People are making time for their partners and their mental health.
Modern masculinity
Modern masculinity is predicted to take 2023 by storm. About 34% of men said they have taken the time to examine their conduct and found how they were projecting toxic masculine behaviour involuntarily.
They are actively challenging themselves and other men to change for the better. Daters say this trend has made it easier for men to express emotions and break gender roles in dating.
Open casting
This is another positive trend.
Almost 29% of women over 30 explained how women are all set to look beyond the type of men they are usually expected to date.
The survey participants mentioned it to be a game-changer.
Cuffing
The start of a new year, known as the "cuffing season" in the dating world, sees the highest number of singles on the prowl and getting into relationships, even if they aren't particularly interested in committing at the moment.
More than 22% of men say it's mostly out of loneliness and an attempt to improve the quality of life in the spirit of a "new year, new me".
