As 2025 begins, Gen Z is only getting older. Most of Gen Z is old enough to start dating, and some of Gen Z is already married and having kids. So this begs the question: What qualities does Gen Z look for in a romantic partner here at BASH? Also, how is dating within Gen Z different from previous generations?
The current dating scene with Generation Z is vastly different than that of previous generations. For starters, Gen Z is more relaxed than previous generations when it comes to dating. They’re not set on the traditional dating for marriage goal that generations of the past embodied.
Compared to generations in the past, Gen Z has had decreased romantic relationships. According to NBC News, “32% of millennial men, 23% of Gen X men, and just 20% of Baby Boomer men did not date during their teenage years. Meanwhile, 44% of Gen Z men have or had no dating relationship during their teen years.” The same study also mentions that 78% of baby boomer men had romantic relationships in their teenage years, compared to gen Z’s current 54%.
The decrease in dating among gen Z is likely due to the rise of social media and the fear of rejection and judgment. Other contributing factors including prioritizing their careers, focusing on personal development and growth, and economic uncertainty with a growing political divide.
Victoria Munoz, a senior at BASH, speaks of social media and how it relates to dating, saying, “High schoolers worry about platforms and social media over personality.” This gives showcases the negative ramifications social media has on gen Z’s romantic relationships and points to what may be a higher priority for Gen Z.
Dating at BASH
A common trend in Gen Z is that people want a caring partner and someone who has ambitions. Eva Schiel, a sophomore here at BASH, said she wants someone who is motivated to succeed in life. She said, “I want someone who doesn’t give up when times are hard.”
Another student, McKenzie Keoius, a sophomore, said that she needs someone who is caring and is emotionally available. McKenzie says that, “I absolutely cannot have someone who is nonchalant. I need them to have a personality and show that they care.”
Personality is a key factor for relationships among gen Z. Harrison Stonerook, a sophomore, said that he really just wants someone who is themselves, going on to say that, “That’s what really makes a person beautiful. If I can tell you’re just being yourself, you’re beautiful just for that.” “The most beautiful thing is a person’s personality”
Dealbreakers
Students were also asked what their major deal breakers would be and a common response was that people didn’t want a partner who was disrespectful or mean. Casper Dennis, a student at BASH says, “I can’t have them be mean to my friends.” Casper went on to say that, “Oh! and I don’t want them to be mean to faculty. That just makes me and them look bad.”
Gen Z Verses Gen X
One major difference that was found between Gen X and Gen Z was a need for the partner to have selected a specific career path. Mrs. Haley, a Gen X teacher at BASH says that, “They absolutely need to know what they’re doing with their life.” Whereas some students who are Gen Z had said that they don’t need their partner to know with certainty what they want for their future. Eva Schiel said that, “I don’t even know what I want for my future, so I can’t expect them to know.”
When it comes to relationships, everyone wants something different in a partner. However, these were some common trends found in Gen Z. With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, it will be interesting to see how BASH students will be celebrating this traditionally romantic holiday.
