HINGE DATING

The latest dating trend, ‘Slowmance’ - what is it and do you need to know?

In 2024, it’s time to embrace the “slowmance.” Revealed in Hinge’s 2024 D.A.T.E. Report, this approach involves dating more consciously. It means slowing the pace down to enjoy the ride rather than rushing things, putting clear boundaries in place, and setting intentions.

LGBTQIA+ daters are increasingly looking for a more mindful approach to relationships, where quality trumps quantity, and connections are built on a solid foundation of trust and understanding.

Dating can be especially complex for queer daters for many reasons. At any point in time, LGBTQ+ daters could be navigating challenging political landscapes, changing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, unfavourable societal expectations, and difficult social interactions, all of which make dating more nuanced for LGBTQ+ daters. In a society that has not always been celebratory of LGBTQ+ relationships, dating as a queer person means risking criticism or rejection from society just because of who we choose to love. Because of these risks, it’s not a wonder why more and more queer daters are opting to take an intentionally slow approach to dating, prioritising safety and emotional intimacy upfront. Opting for a slowmance helps cultivate emotional intimacy and build the strong foundation necessary to navigate those complexities.

Why slowmance works:

Building a Strong Foundation: Slowmance allows us to truly get to know someone before diving headfirst. We can communicate our needs and boundaries clearly, ensuring we’re on the same page from the start. This intentional approach leads to a stronger foundation for a lasting relationship. Prioritising Emotional Intimacy: Embracing a slow start allows us to focus on quality conversations and shared experiences, fostering a deeper emotional connection that’s crucial for LGBTQIA+ daters seeking genuine connections.

But how do you actually put slowmance into practice? Here are some tips:

Take a Soft Start: In the face of ongoing challenges for the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s crucial to start slowly and take the time to understand what brings comfort to you and your potential partner. One way to do this is to keep early conversations light, positive, and engaging from the start to the first date. Starting off gently can help alleviate tension and establish a relaxed pace right from the start, recognising that deep emotional connections take time to nurture.

Plan a Low-Pressure Date: For LGBTQIA+ daters, it’s important that the first date creates a safe and welcoming space that makes it easy to connect and do a vibe check. An LPD (Low-Pressure Date) is a relaxed and secure date spot where people can assess their chemistry in person before deciding to move forward. Surprisingly, the top date spot for LGBTQIA+ daters on Hinge is a coffee shop, so suggest a daytime date!

Softly Launch the Partnership: When it comes to social media, it’s important to remember that our posts can greatly impact the emotional closeness and trust in our relationships. Taking a thoughtful and mindful approach is crucial for nurturing these important aspects of our connections, especially at the beginning of a partnership. This is especially true when LGBTQIA+ daters face unique concerns around safety and acceptance. 48% of LGBTQIA+ Hinge daters prefer to soft launch a relationship with a new romantic partner.

By prioritising intentionality and fostering genuine connections, slowmance allows you to invest in yourself and connect with others on a deeper level. It’s about slowing down, savouring the conversations, and rediscovering the joy of getting to know someone for who they truly are. And who knows, that genuine connection might just blossom into the love you deserve.

Hinge surveyed over 14,000 LGBTQ+ users, Hinge shared Data, Advice, Trends and Expertise (D.A.T.E) surrounding how to best build healthy connections in 2024 and beyond.

Attributed to: Moe Ari Brown, Hinge’s Love & Connection Expert (he/they)