Young Americans appear to be changing the dating game with a more calculated approach to relationships.

Unlike previous generations, where romantic connections often grew organically through chance encounters at parties or alumni mixers, singles are turning to dating apps with specific expectations in mind.

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And research shows it’s not just about love anymore: financial stability has become a top priority.

According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of individuals under 30 (53%) have used a dating site. And dating apps designed for upward mobility are gaining traction, with platforms like Score, which caters to individuals with high credit scores, and Raya, the go-to app for the affluent and the well known, including Ben Affleck, who famously made an appearance on the platform.

A 2024 Bread Financial survey highlights this new dating pragmatism. It found that 28% of respondents would go on a date for a free dinner, and 31% would consider dating someone for their wealth.

One online dater even admitted on MoneyList, “I want to meet someone rich. Is that so wrong?”

Whether it’s checking if someone summered in Europe or analyzing their LinkedIn profile to gauge career success, financial status is becoming a key factor in modern dating decisions.

Are these young Americans holding out for both love and money on the right track?

The financial factor in modern dating

While the idea of dating someone for their wealth isn’t exactly revolutionary, searching for both love and money on apps can be more complicated than it seems. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that in 2022 alone, 70,000 Americans fell victim to online romance scams, collectively losing over $1.3 billion to con artists.

These scams often target individuals who are looking for a financially stable partner and do not recognize the potential dangers of focusing too much on someone’s wealth in the digital dating world.

Despite the risks, it seems that financial considerations are now firmly intertwined with the reach for love.

Read more: These 5 magic money moves will boost you up America's net worth ladder in 2024 — and you can complete each step within minutes.

Is modern dating hopeless?

As financial considerations become more central to modern dating, it’s easy to feel disillusioned. With platforms like OkCupid now asking users about their financial status, such as “Would you date someone with considerable debt?” – it might seem like love is being overshadowed by money.

However, according to a Valentine’s Day survey by Bread Financial, while some singles are intrigued by wealth, most are attracted to financial responsibility. This means budgeting, saving and managing debt rank higher in desirability than flashy wealth.

While occasional gestures like picking up the tab are nice, they’re not the foundation of a long-lasting relationship.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.