Following on from the rollercoaster year that was 2020 – in 2021, our dating lives were still very much full of ups and downs. We volleyed between virtual dates and distanced park meet-ups, before finally being able to meet our matches in real life. The stop-start nature of the year gave us time to reflect on what we actually want out of dating, and now it looks as though daters across the world are ready to date differently and have even more fun. But in these unpredictable times, we have to wonder – what’s in store for dating in 2022? With the help of Badoo’s Global Dating Expert, Sophie Mann, we’re predicting what the dating horizon will look like over the course of this year. Read on to discover all the dating trends you need to know about…

Untyping

A survey by Badoo* found that more than three-quarters of daters (77%) want to try dating outside of their usual ‘type’ in 2022. After the year that saw celebrities ditch their usual ‘type’ and go for someone different - we’re not surprised. Dating outside of our usual ‘type’ and comfort zone gives us the chance to meet different kinds of people – who could be a great fit for us. Not sure how to do it? Sophie says it’s important to “reflect on how your usual type has gone wrong in the past. If your usual type is someone who’s into partying, but you’ve not received enough quality time from them, look for someone a little more introverted or laid back.”

Longdez-vous

After multiple lockdowns, everyone is experiencing time a little differently than before. Singletons are now leaning towards longer dates and courtships in order to get to know each other on a deeper level - no more rushing into a relationship based on chemistry alone. Research shows that the average date in 2021 lasted 2.5 hours (thank you, virtual dating) yet almost 3 quarters (74%) of daters claim that in 2022, they would like longer dates.

Sophie explains why this is a good thing: “Many daters spent more time getting to know one another during 2020, as we saw the boom in virtual dating. In 2021, we knew there'd be some carry over of that and it’s great to see it may be here to stay. Daters often find it tricky to fully come out of their shell on a first date, so by spending a bit longer on them, it’s much easier to form a connection.”

Facilidating

Some of the strongest relationships are formed from friendships – and in 2022, it looks like we’ll see more people matching with someone they know IRL on dating apps. Our research shows that nearly a third (32%) of daters have dated someone they already knew IRL after matching on a dating app, with 41% claiming matching someone they already know allowed them to feel more comfortable. Sophie explains: “A dating app is a safe place to be able to show your interest in someone. By seeing someone you know on a dating app, you’re already able to see their intentions and feel safer in letting them know you’re interested.” 36% of people agree, saying “they’d matched with someone they’d always wanted to ask out, and this made it so much easier to do.”

Oystering

You know that feeling when you finally get over a past relationship, have a glow up and feel like the world’s your oyster? In 2022, singletons are experiencing more of that joy. Research has found that almost half of singletons (46%) actually feel excited to start dating again, and 50% are ready to get 2022 off to a strong dating start! “Dating is daunting after a relationship, but it doesn’t need to be,” says Sophie. “We’ve seen many people getting back into dating, and we predict this new trend of seizing the “dating” day will shine through as many singletons are feeling confident to go out there and get what they want.”

P(et)DA

3.2 million households** in the UK got a pet during 2021, showing we’re a nation that loves pets. Our research revealed that almost 1 in 5 (17%) of daters would like to date someone with a pet in 2022. Sophie comments: “It hasn’t come as a shock that daters want to meet someone with a pet, the UK is a nation of animal lovers and lockdown further proved that. There’s also something attractive about someone owning an animal, it shows a caring and responsible side to their personality, which is something many daters look for.”

Liberdating

After a year of restricted romance, daters in 2022 are all about keeping things fun. After all, a date doesn’t have to involve serious chat and staring into each other’s eyes across the table. This year, over half (59%) of daters are opting for activity-based dates, with 71% wanting to avoid intimate settings altogether. When on a date, people want to keep it light and fun, with almost 3/4 of daters (73%) choosing to avoid political chat. “Lockdown opened our eyes to dating outside, going for walks or doing a fun activity,” says Sophie. “There’s plenty of time for intimate romantic settings as daters get closer to a relationship, but it’s often easier to be your authentic self when you’re having fun and the pressure is off.”

Accomo-dating

With many daters having spent long amounts of time cooped up with housemates, 21% of people said in 2022, they want someone who lives alone, while 1 in 5 are looking for someone who owns their own home. Sophie comments: “It’s not surprising daters put importance on their potential partner living alone. It’s not always about house ownership, but more that as daters, we value privacy and it’s easier to date someone who doesn’t live with others as we can spend more time there.”

So there you have it - all the dating trends you need to know about this year. Which one sounds most like you?

*Consumer research was conducted by OnePoll, surveying 1,000 daters in the UK from 8th to 17th December 2021.

**From research from Pet Food Manufacturing Association - source: BBC