health
February 11, 2026
Is the dating recession an affordability issue?
Young Americans aren’t just struggling to buy homes — they’re struggling to go on dates. A new report from the Institute for Family Studies and The Wheatley Institute finds that only 31% of young unmarried adults who expect to marry are currently dating, while three-quarters of women (74%) and nearly two-thirds of men (64%) reported they had not dated, or dated only a few times, in the last year.
TL;DR
- Only 31% of young unmarried adults who expect to marry are currently dating.
- Three-quarters of women (74%) and nearly two-thirds of men (64%) reported minimal or no dating in the past year.
- A gender gap exists in those seeking relationships, with 60% of men not in a relationship wanting one compared to 43% of women.
- Top dating motivations across sexes are emotional connection and forming serious relationships.
- Engaging in physical intimacy is a motivation for 55% of men but only 35% of women.
- Reasons for infrequent dating include lack of confidence, past negative experiences, and not being emotionally ready.
Continue reading the original article