Since I write about relationships so much, this is the time of the year when I am especially intentional when it comes to reading about which dating trends are predicted to be hella popular over the next several months. Well, according to some research that Hypebae did on the BLK dating app, collabor-dating (bonding over shared interests), slow dating (which is pretty self-explanatory) and something known as crewsing is what a lot of folks (especially those in the Gen Z demographic) are going to be interested in.
What exactly is crewsing? It’s a trend that involves singles not only using dating apps for romantic connections but also for finding people to go to Sunday brunch or upcoming music festivals with. Learning about that is what got me to thinking about something that is coming up out in these internet streets: Dating Sunday.
Dating Sunday: Why It’s a Big Deal for Singles in 2025
If 2025 is the year that you’ve declared to yourself (and your homies) that you are going to find the love of your life, one way or another, Dating Sunday is something that you definitely should know about and consider — just so that you can keep as many options open as possible.
Let me explain why.
What Is Dating Sunday?
GiphyAlthough I do pride myself on knowing a lot about relationship-related stuff, I must admit that I was a late bloomer as it relates to Dating Sunday. I think it’s because I can honestly say that I have never used a dating app, for any reason, before.
It’s not that I’m against them, it’s just that — remember, I’m someone who doesn’t even have social media accounts, so…I just prefer more organic approaches to meeting people. That doesn’t mean that I knock dating online, though, because I actually know individuals who have used dating apps to meet their bae; plus, I’m aware of what statistics say about dating via cyberspace connections.
Okay, but I’m getting a little ahead of myself.
As far as what Dating Sunday is all about, it is what’s considered to be the busiest day of the year, as far as online dating goes, and it just so happens to go down on the first Sunday of the year — each and every year. This means that, in the year of our Lord, 2025, Dating Sunday will transpire on January 5. Interestingly enough, there is even a time on Dating Sunday when it seems that singles are the most active on apps.
When will it be this year? Approximately at 9:05 p.m. (EST), there will be a 40 percent uptick on various dating apps, including Match and Tinder (although if you would prefer to get on apps that cater especially to our demographic, there are ones like BLK, BlackPeopleMeet, BlackGentry, BlackCupid. Also, some dating experts say that Coffee Meets Bagel, OkCupid, Bumble, and sometimes Hinge have some good options for Black women. Oh, and First Round on Me is somewhat gaining in popularity, too — just an FYI).
And what if you are interested in meeting someone new, but you’re a bit hesitant or even leery about doing it online? Although it appears that Gen Z is using dating apps less than perhaps any other demographic, that doesn’t mean that dating online is obsolete.
Read on to see what I mean…
15 Things You Should Know About Online Dating (Stats-Wise)
GiphyIn a world that’s full of opinions, both online, as well as offline, when it comes to making decisions that are personally best for you, it’s always a good idea to factor in some cold hard facts — and when it comes to dating apps and online dating, here are 15 statistics to keep in mind:
- Currently, the most popular dating apps are Tinder and Bumble
- Tinder has led to 25 percent of married or engaged couples who met online
- People ages 18-29 prefer Tinder, while those 30-64 prefer Match
- 31 percent of Black people, 28 percent of Hispanic individuals, and 29 percent of white folks have used dating apps before
- 56 percent of adults who use dating apps find them to be pretty safe
- 53 percent of adults who use dating apps say that the experience was positive
- 54 percent of women are overwhelmed by the messages that they receive on dating apps
- 42 percent of adults say that using dating apps has made finding a partner easier/more convenient
- 39 percent of dating app users make a relatively high income
- 54 percent of folks say that online dating relationships were just as successful as “in-person” ones
- One in 10 serious relationships met online
- 29 percent of dating app users find matches pretty quickly
- 26 percent of online daters aren’t looking for anything serious
- 19 percent of online daters are talking to 11 or more people at the same time
- It could take almost 4,000 swipes before you meet “your one” online
As you can see, as with most things in life, dating online is a bit of a mixed bag. Still, the actual research and data do reveal that so long as you keep your expectations realistic, it could prove to be at least somewhat of a wise investment of your time — so long as you keep the following pros and cons in mind.
3 Pros and 3 Cons to Online Dating in 2025
GiphySo, what are the (generalized) ups and downs that come with using apps in order to date?
PRO:
There’s no way around the fact that dating online is super convenient. You can engage with people at your leisure, whenever and from wherever works best for you — which is great, not just for those who have a hectic schedule, but also for individuals who may consider themselves to be introverted or shy. When you think about it, this also gives you more control when it comes to your privacy and how fast or slow you want to move when it comes to dating (online) as well.
CON:
Hands down, the misrepresentation of folks is a huge con; I mean, there wouldn’t have been the MTV show Catfish if that weren’t the case. I don’t just mean folks who lie about their looks either; there is also a good amount of scamming that goes down in the online dating world as well. For instance, I semi-recently read that as many as 70,000 people were “romance scammed” out of somewhere around $1.3 billion back in 2022, with 40 percent being contacted on social media and close to 20 percent on websites or apps. So yeah, keeping in mind that not everyone has the best of intentions is a good rule of thumb.
PRO:
You’re definitely going to have more access to a variety of people via dating apps — although, when you come to think about it, that can have pros and cons because if it really does take (whew) 4,000 swipes to meet your (long-term) boo, the process to get to them could be pretty overwhelming. Still, if you’re someone who is growing weary of the dating scene in your area, online dating can expose you to a whole ‘new world of possibilities.
CON:
Again, if it can take you close to 4,000 swipes to find someone who you’re really into, that means the same thing for others, which means that while there can be a lot of potential with online dating, there can also be quite a bit of rejection. If that is something that you know that you don’t handle well, dating apps may not need to be the dating route that you should take at this time.
PRO:
Something else that I would consider to be a plus about online dating is you have more than one way to communicate with folks — you can stick to direct messages, you can text, you can talk on the phone, you can video chat, and you can do all of these things, for as long as you want, before deciding to meet someone in person. Not only that but if you are engaging multiple individuals at the same time, based on your comfort level, you can talk to each one in a different way (meaning, you can strictly text with one and video chat with another).
CON:
Since you are interacting with more people, unwanted attention very well could spike. In fact, reportedly, on dating apps, close to 40 percent of individuals have unwanted sexual messages and/or images, 30 percent have been contacted by someone after saying they weren’t interested in them, and 24 percent have been called an offensive name. Yet even dating in person comes with its own pros and cons list, so be willing to somewhat keep an open mind that for every jerk, there can also be a true gem.
How to Prepare for Dating Sunday
GiphyAnd what if, after weighing in all that I just shared, you decide to make 2025 the year that you participate in Dating Sunday? Well, to get the most out of the experience, keep the following tips in mind:
Vet the apps beforehand. There are a lot of dating apps out here, and absolutely one size does not fit all. And so, spend some time researching, not just what are considered to be the best dating apps for each year but which ones are most suitable to your particular demographic, too. Luckily, online dating has been around for so long at this point that you can even find reviews on them via social media. For instance, if you go to TikTok and put “dating app reviews” (like these here, here, here, here, and here), you will get quite a bit of information from different opinions and perspectives to choose from.
Make sure your profile is on point. First impressions are always important — even more so when it comes to online dating. That said, please make sure that your pictures are clear and that you choose ones that showcase more than one side of your personality. Have a bio that is creative and enjoyable to read yet is also as detailed (in a concise way) as possible when it comes to who you are, your interests, and what you are looking for. And lawd, y’all, definitely check for grammar issues (like please use “your” and “you’re” accurately).
It’s also a good idea to go with a username that is easy to remember and reflects you well. Oh, and you should probably get someone you trust to read your finished product before going live — just to get an objective opinion.
Be honest. Stay realistic. Have fun. And finally, although it’s definitely going to work in your favor to go into online dating with a positive attitude, make sure that you are honest about your intentions, that you stay realistic about what to expect, and, more than anything else, that you don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself or the people who you connect with; instead, HAVE FUN! One way to make sure that all of this happens is to follow the advice of online dating experts who say that you can pretty much avoid dating app burnout by spending no more than 30 minutes a day on them.
That way, you can keep a fresh set of eyes on the profiles you are checking out, you can keep the content from overwhelming you, and if it takes a while to make a real connection because you’re only devoting a half-hour daily, you won’t feel like you are wasting a ton of your precious time.
___
I’ve already shared that 25 percent of folks on Tinder found their “forever” on the app. Reportedly, 35 percent on Hinge and 20 percent on Bumble have done the same. In comparison to the 15 percent of couples who met each other through mutual friends…what do you have to lose?
As Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” chile. So, take a chance on Dating Sunday. At best, you’ll meet someone awesome. At worst, you’ll have some entertaining stories to tell. Promise you that!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by FG Trade/Getty Images
RELATED
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Alistair Berg/Getty ImagesStep 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Getty ImagesStep 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
DMP/ Getty ImagesStep 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
And even though I’m not personally a social media (account) user, I must say that two things that I find to be pretty sad about where TikTok is headed (should it truly and finally come to an end) are one, all of the money that it’s going to cost its creators (I actually read that it will be close to a whopping $1.3 billion in the first month of a ban) and two, the fact that when it comes to researching things to write about, TikTok is so much better and easier than Facebook or Instagram (Mark Zuckerberg is a real trip right now; keep checking up on him too…SMDH).
A great example of this: learning about the diaper rash face cream trend that everyone seems to be raving about these days; especially on TikTok. Yeah, it all might sound crazy on the surface, but I’ve actually got some intel, along with videos from Black women who don’t regret putting something that was made for a baby’s butt (relatively speaking) all over their face.
Are you ready to see if it’s something that just might work for you as well?
Video credit: @_nvrseeme via TikTok
Diaper Rash on Your Face Even Has a Name: Face Basting
GiphyYou learn something new every day, chile. Personally, I think a big reason is because something new is made up all of the time. LOL. Take skin or face basting, for example. Now, unless you are someone who already puts diaper rash cream on your face, I’d be close to shocked if you know what that term means. If you’re like me — someone who just found out while conducting research for this piece — and you’re curious, skin basting is what happens when you want to do an overnight treatment on your skin with the help of diaper rash cream (face basting is when you apply it to your face only).
And just why would you do something like this? Well, for one thing, diaper rash cream tends to have a good amount of an ingredient called zinc oxide in it. It’s beneficial for your skin in a myriad of ways including the fact that it 1) helps to create a protective barrier on it; 2) can shield your skin from damaging UV rays; 3) locks moisture into dry skin; 4) helps to heal damaged skin tissue; 5) can help to prevent bacterial infections from occurring (or spreading); 6) increases the production of collagen; 7) slows down the signs of skin aging, and 9) can even treat dandruff.
If you add to that the fact that the lanolin and dimethicone (which are also skin protectants) are also in many diaper rash creams — hell, why wouldn’t you consider putting at least a dab or two of the stuff onto your face to see if it helps at all? I mean, GOODNESS.
Video credit: @staria_brantley via TikTok
Why Face Basting Is Better than Face Slugging
GiphyAnd what if you’re reading all of this and you’re thinking that face basting sounds a lot like something else that you’ve casually come across: face slugging? If that is the case, you may be wondering if there is a difference between the two. There is.
Face basting is about letting diaper rash cream soak into your skin for a significant amount of time. Face slugging is when you substitute the cream for a thick ointment like Vaseline or Aquaphor.
The method behind the madness of “slugging” is it could possibly help to heal dry skin and keep it soft for a longer period of time — although, to me, it seems like a surefire way to clog up your pores (so please report back, if you’ve tried this before). Plus, I can only imagine what your pillowcases and sheets end up looking and feeling like the next morning. Yeah, on the slugging tip, I’ll pass.
Video credit: @that.calliegirl via TikTok
Who Shouldn’t Attempt to “Baste Their Face”
GiphyAs you can see from the TikTok videos that I’ve interwoven throughout this article, some women are real fans of face basting. Still, that doesn’t mean it should be the go-to remedy for everyone. For one thing, if diaper rash cream only had zinc oxide, lanolin, and dimethicone, you might be all good; however, that isn’t the case. Mineral oil, fragrance, and other ingredients that are oftentimes in diaper rash cream could potentially irritate your skin.
Another thing to keep in mind is because diaper rash cream is also thick (like Vaseline), there is a chance that your breakouts could get worse due to potential pore clogs. Same goes for if you have oily skin or super sensitive skin (because a baby’s bottom has “tougher” skin than the skin that is on your face).
In all of these instances, if you want to see if diaper rash cream could be the skin remedy that you’ve been looking for, avoid the full-on basting and just apply a bit on your face. Wait a few days to see if there are any unwanted side effects and go from there — although it’s also a good idea to keep in mind that you can always purchase some plain zinc oxide ointment or speak with a dermatologist about what would ultimately be best for you.
Other Practical Uses for Diaper Rash Cream
GiphyWhew, chile. Now that you know what diaper rash can do for your face, you’d be more than warranted to be curious about if it can benefit you in other ways. The answer is actually…yes. Hangnails. If you “baste your nail cuticles” with it a couple of nights a week, it will help to keep your cuticles well-moisturized (since hangnails pretty much come from dry cuticles).
Vulvovaginitis. Vulvovaginitis is a technical term for irritation of the vulva. So long as you apply the ointment to your vulva only, it can help to bring temporary relief to itchiness or irritation (it’s good for girls as well as women, by the way).
Thigh chafing. If thigh chafing is something that you deal with,the zinc oxide that’s in diaper rash cream can serve as a barrier for your skin, so that it’s not as much of an issue.
___
Personally, I’ve got a pretty good skin regimen going right now, so I’m not sure if I’ll be doing the face basting thing any time soon. Now nail basting? Diaper rash cream just might have me sold there. Because when you stop to think about the fact that you can get so much from a (roughly) $10 container or tube — why not?
Y’all, who knows if TikTok will be done this year. Just in case, let’s use this article as an opportunity to thank it for the hacks that sometimes do actually work.
Well done, TikTok. This time. LOL.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Delmaine Donson/Getty Images