Does anyone even ask to go on dates anymore? This burning question has been on my radar for longer than it should be. Navigating your 20s after college is hard on its own, but tying in dating is another rabbit hole. I can count on one hand the number of times my friends have been properly asked out on a date, which is a sad reality. All we get now is “do u wanna come over tn?” which, newsflash, does not make you sound enticing. Dating is dead, so let’s talk about it. 

Here’s the thing – I’m not saying I want to be going on dates 3 times a week, or meeting a new person every other day. Everyone deserves to be wined and dined once in a while. The sad truth is that too many factors have transformed how dating is perceived year after year. Dating apps and social media have caused a divide in how people communicate – the fear of rejection results in people being too scared to approach anyone. No one knows how to talk to each other anymore without the comfort of a cell phone. 

“The talking stage” is the three most dreaded words anyone wants to hear. The talking stage can last from weeks to months, all without the commitment of a real relationship. There is a period of unknown during the talking stage where you’re not positive if the other person likes you. The talking stage has introduced a lack of commitment in relationships. Then there are “situationships” which are just glorified versions of the talking stage. I’ve had my fair share of talking stages and situationships that have led to none other than heartbreak. 

Dating used to be simple. The generational difference between dating is so vast that there might be no coming back. Take our parents for example. If a few dates went well with someone, they might ask you to be official. There would be no confusion as to what the relationship was. In 2025, I don’t even know if people ask to go on dates anymore. You could be exclusive with someone but wouldn’t say you are dating them. Talking to my parents about dating in their 20s has truly made me think about how vast the difference is today. 

Maybe I have the wrong idea of dating. Maybe I’m still too young to have a say on the rights and wrongs of dating. Or maybe thousands of people feel the same way. Whichever the case is, there must be a solution to this decline in dating.