What Is Stack Dating? The Relationship Trend Loved By Gen Z

Stack dating is a rising dating trend embraced by Gen Z, praised for taking the pressure and stress out of meeting someone new. According to Vice and Cosmopolitan, young singles are lining up back-to-back dates in a single day and fitting them naturally into their daily routines—like pairing a date with a workout class or a walk in the park—to increase their chances of finding the right match. By treating dating as just another part of the day rather than an event requiring elaborate planning, many feel they can show up as more authentic versions of themselves.

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“Most of us sit back and wait for someone to choose us. But with stack dating, what you’re saying is, ‘I have a limited amount of time in my schedule. I will proactively put the people I’m dating into a specific moment of my day or week,” Paul Brunson, Tinder’s Global Relationship Insights Expert, told Cosmopolitan during an interview published July 22. “And when you’re interacting with romantic prospects more often, you’ll likely be more confident and sure of who you’ll be compatible with long-term.”

For this generation, the long hours once spent preparing for a first date are fading. Tinder’s 2023 Future of Dating report found that about 51 percent of global Tinder users ages 18 to 25 now prefer simple, low-pressure dates that blend seamlessly into everyday life. Whether it’s catching someone after a morning coffee run or squeezing in a quick drink before dinner with friends, dating whenever it fits is becoming the norm.

What are the pros of stacking dating?

According to Vice writer Sammi Caramela, stack dating has gained popularity because it prevents people from investing too much, too soon.

“Many prefer this dating trend above others, as it allows you to plan dates when they’re most convenient for you. Rather than spacing out multiple dates among your busy weekend schedule, taking away various weekend nights to avoid back-to-back outings, you’re fitting them in during your free time without worrying about stacking them too close together,” Caramela wrote in an article for Vice published Nov. 27.

This approach saves time and encourages a more relaxed mindset. With several dates planned in one day, there’s less time to overthink what might go wrong. It’s essentially a form of casual speed dating, helping people grow more comfortable with the often-intimidating world of first dates.

Another advantage? The stakes stay low, and you can sift out the qualities you’re looking for in a compatible partner a bit easier, adds Brunson. When dates happen close together, it allows clearer comparisons. After each date, he suggests evaluating questions like: Which date showed curiosity? Who listened the most? Which connection felt like pure physical attraction versus genuine interest?

Are there cons to stack dating?

With that said, not everyone is sold on stack dating. Some Gen Z daters feel the low-pressure convenience of stack dating comes at a cost. 

“To be honest, I prefer to have an actual break during my lunch or downtime,” a woman named Elizabeth shared with Cosmopolitan in July. “I don’t want to feel rushed on a date, and I prefer to keep my leisure time leisurely, which means not talking to a man I don’t know,” she explained, which is fair.

And while multiple back-to-back dates allow what Brunson calls a “comparative study,” too many choices can create the classic paradox of choice.

“If you’re someone who struggles making decisions, having to choose between pursuing eight different dates you’ve had can be difficult,” Brunson says. Too many options can turn a low-pressure system into a stressful one, and for some, even become exhausting, leading to serious dating burnout.

In fact, a Forbes Health survey published in July found that 78 percent of Gen Z reported feeling burnt out after overusing dating apps. Ultimately, the key is finding the dating approach that works best for you.

What do you think about the stack dating trend? Would you try it?

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