Here’s A Look At Dating Trends For Black Folks In 2023

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Relationship and dating “norms” of any given era are often, in multiple ways, emblematic of what is happening at that time in history. Dating is, on the surface, about sexual attraction, flirting and fun. Beneath the surface, there is a lot more going on. Global news, political changes, social changes, civil issues. These all impact the way a person thinks, feels and expresses themselves and even how they choose a partner.

We’re currently living in a time when people are making their views known more than ever. According to a poll by Harvard Kennedy School, more young people are engaged in politics than ever. A report by the University of Georgia shows that people are turning to social media more than ever for advocacy work. Put simply, putting one’s beliefs out there is becoming more common. And it’s impacting the dating world, too. How could it not?

Head of marketing at Match’s dating app for Black singles, BLK, shared an interesting report on trends being spotted among users of the app. These might be a signal of where dating is going as a whole for 2023. Here’s a look at the trends and predictions for Black singles this coming year.

Match My Ambition

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BLK provides tools called “stickers” for app users to put on their profile. These can be indicators of interests, hobbies and more. “Black Business Owner” is one of these stickers, and BLK reports that they’re seeing a surge in usage of this one.

Entrepreneurs are showing an increased interest in finding other entrepreneurs to date. Rather than keeping work interests and love life separate, many Black daters want to find a romantic partner who is equally interested in entrepreneurialism and career growth.

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Green Love

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Another one of BLK’s stickers that’s proven popular is the “420-friendly” sticker. We’re living in a time when the stigma and stereotypes associated with cannabis in the Black community is finally, and rightfully so, diminishing. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but the openness about cannabis use on BLK user profiles is a good sign.

It also shows that people want to be with someone who has the same stance on cannabis as they do – or is at least fine with their relationship with the green stuff.

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Love Until The Music Stops

Portrait of smiling Afro american couple standing in front of purple background

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Looking for a casual fling while in another country or city is nothing new. But daters are becoming more specific in their short-term love searches. BLK is seeing a rise in daters planning music festival-specific hookups, in advance of arriving at the fest.

They’re also seeing more Black music festivals partnering with dating apps. Smart business move on their end, since fest attendees are already looking for hook up at these events.

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Do I Have Your Vote?

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Not only are young people taking a greater interest in politics, but Black young people are at increasing rates. A report from Pew Research shows that Black individuals are more likely to use social media for political activism than other groups. Black individuals are becoming more open about their political views, and BLK finds that extends to dating. They’re seeing more daters connect over political views – particularly over issues that impact the Black community like the wage gap, home ownership and gun control.

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Let Me See You

Portrait of woman tossing her curly hair

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Black women who embrace their natural hair and a no-makeup (or light makeup) look are doing so proudly on BLK. “Natural hair” and “Locs” are two more popular stickers that are appearing on many user’s profiles. And BLK marketing says they’re seeing a rise in profile photos of Black women wearing their hair natural and going sans makeup.

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Here’s A Look At Black Dating In 2023