Tinder Says More Canadian Singles Are Flirting With The Idea Of Sober Dating

Clinking glasses and bar-side banter were once a mainstay of first dates, but more Canadian singles are saving the wine and beer for another time, or ditching it altogether.

A new Tinder study finds a third of Canada's young adults of legal drinking age (18 to 34) are skipping drinks on dates during Dry January, or at least dialing down their intake for a more 'Damp' January.

With roughly 34% of Canada's young adult population actively dating, clear-headed connections are becoming the new norm, marking a move away from alcohol-centric dating rituals of the past.

Rewriting the rules of romance

In a survey of over 1,000 singles in Canada conducted with Ipsos, Tinder uncovered the reasons behind the shift in dating habits. Around two in three respondents indicated actively moderating their alcohol intake.

An overwhelming 73% of participants acknowledged the diminishing significance of alcohol in their lives. And more than half said they've seen a similar trend among their friends, suggesting a broader shift towards sober socializing.

The survey also saw gender differences in attitudes towards alcohol. Women said they were more likely to participate in Dry or Damp January, with 36% considering it, compared to 31% of men.

Sobering statistics

Despite the move towards moderation, social expectations still exert a strong influence. Around seven in 10 young adults said they usually enjoy a drink on dates, and 37% admitted feeling societal pressure to drink alcohol on a date.

While 67% of respondents are actively working to keep their alcohol intake in check, 69% said they still drink on dates. Nearly 10% of those surveyed admitted they typically consume three or more drinks on a date.

A majority of young adults in Canada said they find dating easier (55%) and more fun (51%) with alcohol. However, over half expressed a wish that there wasn’t so much expectation to drink while dating, signalling a desire for more sober dating experiences.

To sip or not to sip

The changing attitudes toward alcohol in the Canadian young adult dating scene, as indicated by the statistics, paint a picture of evolving social and relationship trends. With 38% of young adults drinking on dates to ease nerves and another 16% to aid socializing, it's clear that alcohol still plays a significant role in dating. However, an equal 38% feel pressured by societal expectations to drink, and 10% fear judgment for not drinking, highlighting the complex interplay between personal choice and social norms.

The stats also reveal a significant trend in relationship preferences: 60% of young adults value similar drinking habits in their partners, a number that jumps to 70% among those who feel encouraged to drink on dates. In contrast, a noteworthy 31% prefer non-drinkers or occasional drinkers, significantly higher than the 21% who favor social drinkers and far exceeding the 10% interested in daily drinkers.

These figures suggest a shift in the dating culture among young Canadians. While the pull of alcohol remains, there's a growing undercurrent of young adults seeking connections that transcend the traditional norms of wining and dining.

Rethinking date night

Walking dates, as revealed by Tinder's 2023 Year In Swipe review, have become Canada’s top date activity in 2023, offering a relaxed atmosphere and a different conversational dynamic. Daytime coffee dates are gaining popularity too, especially during the winter, providing a comfortable (and comforting), low-pressure setting to get to know someone.

Integrating dates into activities like workouts or self-care also shows a move towards more meaningful, sober interactions. The

shift in dating preferences also marks a shift towards authenticity, where people connect without the influence of alcohol. It's becoming more about being real and less about liquid courage — showing up as you are, without the need for a drink.