At a time when millennials are still trying to make sense of the dating world with mixed signals, dating trends and all, Gen Z is quietly changing the rules of modern dating. Rather than seeking passionate encounters or romantic love stories, younger singles are embracing a more down-to-earth approach to dating, one that prioritises emotional stability over passion.
A term that is increasingly being used to define this new trend is “6-7 dating,” a term that means a growing desire for a relationship that feels safe, sound, and doable, rather than exciting and perfect.
What does ‘6–7 dating’ mean?
According to Psychology Today, the term “6-7 dating” has an unclear origin. The publication describes it as “a viral, ambiguous slang term” that is “largely nonsensical” and has a “murky and shifting” usage pattern. Nevertheless, the term has come to have a wider meaning in the singles scene, often being shorthand for compatibility, humour, and shared values.
At its essence, “6-7 dating” defies the notion that a partner has to be a “10 out of 10” from the very beginning. Romantic love stories in movies and books have long promoted the notion that love has to be passionate, easy, and epic. In reality, most relationships begin in mundane settings such as classrooms, offices, cafes, or through mutual friends, and develop over time.
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Why is Gen Z choosing ‘good enough’?
Gen Z daters are choosing partners whom they might even rate a six or seven out of ten, not this flawless romance dream that people have in their minds. It’s not about giving in to love; it’s about giving in to stability and not drama in a relationship.
Individuals who exist in the middle tend to appear to be stable, compassionate, emotionally sensitive, and reliable.
An additional force in promoting the shift is the phenomenon termed "dating burnout": the cycle of high attraction followed by disappointment. A less intense approach may be less draining in terms of emotions.
Social media and modern dating language
The idea has also taken off on social media like TikTok and Instagram, where users share descriptions of their non-traditional connections. The 6-7 dating concept represents connections that feel safe and function well, even if there isn't constant passion involved.
To a generation that has been brought up on the likes of dating apps, comparisons, and the concept of situationships, the idea of predictability and stability could actually be something of a welcome respite.
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Emotional maturity or emotional compromise?
“Choosing a ‘6–7’ partner can reflect emotional maturity when it comes from discernment rather than depletion. Many young adults in India are moving away from emotionally turbulent relationships or familial pressure to conform, valuing steadiness, respect, and predictability. That shift can be healthy, especially for those who have navigated heartbreak, repeated disappointments, or societal expectations to settle reasonably", Counselling psychologist Athul Raj told The Indian Express.
However, he also offered a note of caution. “When people choose a partner because they are tired of wanting more, afraid of emotional risk, or convinced that a deep connection is unrealistic, the relationship becomes a quiet compromise. In my therapy room, I often hear people describe relationships that feel ‘fine’ but lack vitality or resonance. Emotional maturity is not shrinking your desire to avoid pain; it is staying open to connection while maintaining self-respect and boundaries."
