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Dating Wrapped: What we saw in 2024’s dating landscape

What were singles up to this year?

By Priyanka Patel - 

Credit: Getty Images
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Whether you were ghosted, giddy, or simply grateful to have survived another year of modern dating, one thing’s for sure — the pursuit of romance never fails to keep us on our toes. 

To uncover the highs, lows, and everything in between, Tinder, Bumble, and OKCupid asked their users to spill the tea on what dating looked like in 2024. In a world where love can start with a swipe, glance or chance encounter, the possibilities are endless. 

So, how have singles been navigating the dating scene this year? Keep scrolling to find out more.

1. Love in Small Doses

Micro-Romances, Nano-Ships & Meet-Cutes

2024 wasn’t about grand gestures or meticulously planned dates. Instead, it was all about fleeting moments — the kind that makes you smile for no reason. 

“It’s the little things, like remembering my coffee order or making me laugh when I’m having a bad day. That’s what made me fall in love.” 
- Isabella, 24

According to Bumble, 89% of Singaporean singles agree that love comes in the form of playlists, inside jokes and morning coffee walks. Even date nights have glowed down with 40% of Tinder users choosing hike dates and 34% enjoying pottery dates. 

And meet-cutes? An amusing and mostly accidental first meeting between two people. They’re definitely back! Think spilling your drink on that cute guy you always spot at your morning coffee stop, or colliding into his grocery cart. Embarrassing, but strangely adorable.

2. Future-Proofing

“I’m looking for a man in finance”

A staggering 96% of Singaporean singles admitted that future prospects, including career stability and financial planning, played a huge role in their dating choices. In fact, many women now want to talk about housing and budgeting early on in the relationship. On OKCupid, financially savvy singles actually scored 25% more matches. Besides, what’s the point of six-pack abs if he doesn’t have a solid six-month savings plan?

“I’ve become strangely into finbros and investment bankers. As someone who is so bad at planning finances, I really need someone who knows what they’re doing.”
- Zara, 23

3. Dating Is A Team Sport

Me, you and the group chat

Did you think that dating is about two people? Think again. Almost 60% of singles turned to friends for dating advice — and approval.

“My best friend stalked his profile so hard that she found his ex’s account. And his comments on them. Recent ones. Good catch though, thank god.”
- Rhea, 25

Some Gen Zs even share their location with their besties. After all, who else will rescue you if he turns out to be a sociopath?

4. The Guy Best Friend Phenomenon

Your trusty dating side-kick

Speaking of besties, it’s time for the girls to move over, because 2024 was the year of the male best friend. Nearly four out of five of Singaporean women ask their male BFFs to “decode” man behaviour.

“Whenever I can’t figure out if a guy likes me, I text my male best friend. He’s like my personal translator of mixed signals.”
- Carmen, 22

Who knew they could be Sherlock Holmes when it came to dating men? Just be careful — they tend to fall in love with you. So maybe don’t hug him for too long.

5. DWM (Date With Me)

Dating — our new favourite reality show

From date GRWMs (Get Ready With Me) and post-date debriefs to relationship “tests” and Dating Wrappeds, sharing the rollercoaster of romance became a coping mechanism and a form of entertainment. Singaporeans love this unfiltered take on love and find comfort in shared experiences.

“I love watching people talk about their dates online, especially the bad ones. Where do these girls find such trashy guys?”
- Ananya, 19

6. Situationship? I Think Not.

I know what I want and it’s not you.

This year, we’re in the director’s chair, taking charge of our dating journeys, knowing exactly what we want, and saying it loud and clear. Gone are the days of cryptic texts and mixed signals. Turns out, loud looking is better than silent guessing — bye-bye, situationships.

“I used the button in my dating profile: ‘Looking for a relationship.’ And I made sure before swiping that he had the same one on too. It saved me so much time.”
- Aisha, 22

7. The Golden Retriever Boyfriend

A cute ball of energy and of course, loyalty

Forget the bad boys — 2024 was the year of the Golden Retriever boyfriend; loyal, energetic, and optimistic. Most sought-after values included trustworthiness and emotional availability, while deal-breakers like bad hygiene and ex-talk gave instant icks.

“I’m so over sitting around, waiting for a reply. I want a guy who’s obsessed with me.”
- Natalie, 21

8. Rise In Open Relationships

Why choose one when you can have a whole roster?

While traditional monogamy still dominated, 2024 saw an increasing number of singles exploring open relationships. As long as you aren’t leading the poor guy on, why not?

“It was just casual. But it worked for us because we both didn’t want a relationship.”
- Tiffany, 26

From small gestures to strong commitments, it’s clear the dating game in 2024 had something for everyone. It was a year of surprises, lessons, and a whole lot of swiping, all leading us to reimagine what love really means. Here’s to a 2025 with more meet-cutes, greater clarity, and fingers crossed, fewer painfully awkward first dates.

Note: The names of individuals in this article have been changed.

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