Gen Z dating trends show a shift towards playful and indirect communication

The idea of reverse psychology is slowly finding space in online dating, especially among Gen Z users. According to a recent study by dating app QuackQuack, 22% of Gen Z daters said they now flirt by saying the opposite of what they feel, making interactions lighter and more natural.The survey was conducted in early December among users aged 18 to 26 across Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities. Participants came from different educational and professional backgrounds. Many respondents explained that this trend is not about manipulation, but about protecting emotions while keeping conversations playful. Around three in five users said this style comes from being emotionally cautious and avoiding direct rejection. QuackQuack Founder and CEO Ravi Mittal said, “We are seeing the new generation break years of manipulative techniques and repurposing them into soft romance that not only gets the job done but also protects their hearts. This generation believes in kindness, and it reflects in the dating trends gaining popularity among the GenZs.”One popular form of this trend is the “anti-compliment”. About 28% of users from Tier 1 and 2 cities said they prefer playful sarcasm over direct praise. Instead of open compliments, they use humorous lines that hint at interest without pressure.Another approach is indirect communication. Around 19% of women and 15% of men between 22 and 26 said they use hints rather than clear statements to test compatibility. Anwika, 26, shared, “I often say ‘some people are worth the risk’ to matches I like.”Humour also plays a key role. Four out of five users said they mask serious feelings with jokes to keep conversations relaxed and avoid awkward moments. For many Gen Z daters, dating today is less about bold declarations and more about gentle signals and shared understanding.