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Gen Z dating trends 2025: A new study has revealed a surprising change in how Generation Z understands intimacy and romantic relationships, with numerous young adults placing emotional connection above physical touch. The study indicates that eye contact is now more intimate than traditional forms of touch among 20-somethings.

As per the September 2025 report by EZContacts, an internet eyewear site, 59 per cent of Gen Z consumers believe gazing into a lover's eyes can create a deeper bond than intimacy. The research polled 1,000 adults, both singles and couples, to see if eye contact and glasses have any effect on love connections.

Eye Contact Becomes More Essential

"Eye contact can signal confidence, flirtation, and personal interest, generating the sense of closeness more quickly than conversation," the report said. The survey indicated that 62 per cent of women and 55 per cent of men from Gen Z favored intense eye-gazing over touching when flirting or dating. This is indicative of a larger shift toward deeper, non-physical types of intimacy among young adults.

Notably, the research also mentioned the contribution of glasses to perceived beauty. Almost 58 per cent of the participants owned up to considering individuals in glasses more beautiful. Out of men, 69 per cent of them indicated that glasses enhanced beauty, whereas 46 per cent of the women agreed. Traditional black frames conveyed confidence and seriousness, whereas colorful frames indicated playfulness and sociability.

Less Sex, More Emotional Bonding

The trend is coupled with a decrease in sexual activity in Gen Z. A study conducted by Lovehoney shows that 18- to 26-year-olds are having sex 36 times per annum on average, or about 0.7 times weekly, lower than Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. Gen Z tends to have an 'intimacy crisis,' being too ashamed to have sex in their homes when parents are present," explained a Lovehoney spokesperson.

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With social networking sites, online forums, and video calls becoming more prominent, digital intimacy has emerged as the primary means of connection. Sexting, online romance, and emotional conversations enable couples to stay intimate without necessarily being physically intimate. Mental health consciousness also prompts Gen Z to form relationships that honor individual space and emotional health.

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As Gen Z continues to define cultural standards, professionals predict that future relationships might prioritize emotional intelligence, shared experiences, and mindful communication rather than physical milestones. Increased non-sexual forms of intimacy have the potential to redefine dating norms for generations to come.