{
  "id": 9150234,
  "title": "One in 10 young singles stopped dating because its too expensive, report states",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/one-in-10-young-singles-stopped-dating-because-its-too-expensive",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-22T13:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/life/zelle-economics-of-dating-report"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent Zelle report reveals that the rising cost of living is significantly impacting young singles' dating lives. A national survey of 1,800 Gen Z and millennial adults who dated within the past year found that 84 percent of respondents noted that rising costs have affected their dating experiences. Around a third (32 percent) reported going on fewer dates, and an even smaller fraction (11 percent) have decided to stop dating altogether due to financial constraints. This financial strain can be attributed to young people living at home, struggling to buy homes, and limited disposable income. In response to these challenges, 40 percent of respondents are opting for less expensive activities, while 38 percent prefer more frequent, economical dates over occasional high-cost ones, and 37 percent suggest free activities. Being seen as frugal is viewed positively, with 38 percent of respondents judging someone favorably for planning affordable, thoughtful dates. Other positive financial traits include being thoughtful with money (56 percent), being honest about financial situations (54 percent), planning budget-friendly dates (52 percent), and paying without causing awkwardness (52 percent). Conversely, certain behaviors are red flags, such as making someone uncomfortable about their financial situation (47 percent), expecting the other person to pay for everything (47 percent), complaining about prices (47 percent), and over-discussing income (47 percent). Money anxiety is a growing concern, with 46 percent of participants citing spending too much on a date as a source of dating anxiety, along with being rejected (37 percent), discussing finances (28 percent), and determining who pays (25 percent). Despite these challenges, 89 percent of daters remain committed to finding love, utilizing free dating apps and economical outings like park walks to keep costs down.",
  "summary": "Zelle's Economics of Dating Report reveals how money matters in dating.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}