Dating Diaries: 2025 Dating and Relationship Trends
Every year the dating world morphs and changes with new technology and changing societal standards, from the cost-of-living crisis to pop culture trends. eharmony and our relationship experts are here to uncover all the dating, sex and relationship trends Aussies are experiencing right now and as we move into 2025.
Table of Contents
The cost of living…and dating
As the cost-of-living crisis intensifies, 83% of Australians believe couples are moving in together sooner to share expenses and 51% foresee a rise in low-commitment relationships in 2025. With the average household income required to afford a home now at $220,000 – nearly double the average salary of $98,098 (ABC News) – a pressing question emerges: in 2025, will financial pressures push singles to compromise their emotional needs for financial stability?
eharmony relationship expert, Nicole Colantoni says: “The cost-of-living crisis is undeniably influencing the pace of modern relationships. Financial pressures are leading many couples to accelerate milestones, like moving in together, as a practical way to share expenses and alleviate the financial burden. While this might seem like a compromise, it’s more about necessity reshaping timelines rather than emotional needs being overlooked.”
“Financial concerns are prompting some couples to adopt a low-commitment approach, focusing on maintaining flexibility and avoiding bigger milestones, like getting engaged or starting a family, until they feel more financially secure.” – Nicole Colantoni, eharmony relationship expert
The rise of ‘Comfort Dating’
As 52% of Australian daters lean toward low-effort, comfort-focused dating and two-thirds predict a shift toward dating within their social circles in 2025, a new trend emerges: authenticity and simplicity in love. As work and personal life demands increase, people often seek relationships that don’t require excessive time or energy.
“Comfort dating isn’t about putting in less effort—it’s
about prioritising emotional compatibility and shared values over surface-level displays.”
-Nicole Colantoni, eharmony relationship expert
Comfort dating chimes with the idea of balancing personal ambitions and self-care with connection; 53% of Australian daters want a better work-life balance outside of relationships. This signals a rejection of the pressure-filled, performance-driven approach to dating and a move towards genuine connections built on shared values and emotional compatibility.
Nicole Colantoni says:
“The pressures of modern life mean people increasingly value relationships
that bring ease and comfort, rather than adding stress or
requiring excessive effort.”
Top love languages for 2025
Quality time or physical touch? Australians favour heartfelt over flashy when it comes to love in 2025. With 38% prioritising quality time and 33% valuing physical touch versus 3% of Aussies looking to receive gifts and only 12% seeking words of affirmation from their partners – 2025 is shaping up to be the year of meaningful connections built on understanding and emotional resonance.
Love Languages in 2025
- 38% prioritising quality time
- 33% valuing physical touch
- 3% of Aussies looking to receive gifts
- 12% of Aussies seeking words of affirmation
Nicole Colantoni, eharmony relationship expert, adds: “While words of affirmation and gift-giving still have their place, this trend likely reflects the current economic climate, where rising costs and financial pressures are encouraging people to focus on deeper, more intimate moments that promote connection. Words and gifts alone can also sometimes feel hollow without actions to back them up. This is why many singles are finding more creative ways to express their affection by turning basic activities like cooking together, taking a walk, or sharing the simple act of physical touch into deliberate opportunities for closeness.”
Methodology
Dating Diaries: 2025 Dating and Relationship Trends report was commissioned by eharmony and conducted by 3Gem. It was fielded online between November 13th and November 20th, 2024, and surveyed 750 participants. Participants qualified if they were aged 18+ and dated in the past year/are in a relationship. Results were weighted to be nationally representative.
For more information or questions regarding this study, you can email press@eharmony.com.au.