QuackQuack Identifies New Dating Trends: Founders Must Adapt

Modern dating continues to evolve beyond the now-familiar concepts of ghosting and breadcrumbing. A comprehensive survey by Indian dating app QuackQuack reveals that younger generations are identifying and naming subtler relationship patterns that shape their romantic experiences. These behaviors, while less overt than traditional red flags, reflect how Gen Z and young millennials navigate the complexities of contemporary relationships.

Understanding the Survey Parameters

The survey gathered insights from more than 10,000 active dating app users aged 18 to 28 across metropolitan, suburban and rural India. Respondents were evenly divided between men and women and represented a range of professional backgrounds. The research highlighted three distinct patterns that are reshaping how young people think about romantic connections: canon events, emotional layovers, and dial-toning.

These terms represent behaviors that are not necessarily harmful but reflect a more intentional, self-aware approach to dating. Unlike ghosting or breadcrumbing, which typically involve one person manipulating or avoiding another, these patterns often involve mutual understanding or personal growth objectives. The survey suggests that younger daters are developing a more nuanced vocabulary to describe their relationship experiences.

Canon Events: Dating with Intention and Awareness

A canon event describes a relationship or dating experience that someone knowingly enters despite expecting it to be temporary, often because of what they hope to learn or experience from it. More than 3,945 respondents aged 23 to 28 reported having at least one such experience. This approach reflects a shift toward viewing relationships as learning opportunities rather than solely as paths to long-term commitment.

Nearly four in 10 women said they had dated someone despite knowing the relationship was unlikely to last, while 27% of men in Tier 1 and 2 cities said they had pursued relationships with people very different from themselves to better understand their preferences and dealbreakers.

Canon events represent a conscious choice to gain experience and self-knowledge through dating. These relationships are entered with open eyes and realistic expectations. Rather than viewing them as failures when they end, participants see them as valuable chapters in their personal development.

Emotional Layovers: Temporary Connections During Transition

An emotional layover refers to a temporary romantic connection formed during periods of loneliness, vulnerability or major life changes. Around 37% of respondents over 25 said matches had sometimes occupied this role. These connections serve as emotional support systems during challenging times, though they may not be intended to last beyond the transitional period.

While some viewed these connections positively, 22% warned that repeatedly relying on them during difficult periods could become a pattern. The survey also found that some participants recognised when they were providing, or receiving, temporary emotional support. This awareness suggests a level of emotional intelligence and honesty that previous generations may not have articulated as clearly.

The ability to recognize when a connection is serving as an emotional layover demonstrates growing self-awareness among younger daters about their motivations and needs in relationships.

Emotional layovers can provide genuine comfort and companionship during times of need. However, the survey highlights the importance of being honest with oneself and others about the nature and likely duration of these connections. When both parties understand the temporary nature of their bond, emotional layovers can be mutually beneficial rather than misleading.

Dial-Toning: The Art of Minimal Connection

The third trend, dial-toning, involves maintaining a low-level connection with someone without actively pursuing a relationship. This can include occasional social media reactions, viewing stories or sending an emoji response. More than 45% of respondents in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore said they had encountered the behaviour.

Dial-toning differs from ghosting in that the connection is not completely severed, but rather maintained at a minimal level. Some 55% of those aged 18 to 26 admitted to maintaining such connections for months before recognising the pattern. This behavior can stem from genuine ambivalence, fear of completely cutting ties, or a desire to keep options open without committing effort or energy.

The prevalence of dial-toning reflects the ease with which social media and dating apps allow people to maintain passive connections. A simple like or emoji requires minimal effort but keeps someone on the periphery of your digital life. While this may seem harmless, it can create confusion about the status and potential of a relationship, particularly if one person interprets these small gestures as signs of continued interest.