When it comes to dating, we’re used to thinking in extremes. It’s either a whirlwind romance packed with instant sparks and unnecessary drama, or a flat, forgettable connection with no real chemistry. But Gen Z might have found a magical in-between.
It starts quietly. There’s no rush to define things, no obsessive checking of read receipts, no emotional rollercoasters disguised as passion. You’re dating someone nice, someone who doesn’t make your heart race with panic, but also doesn’t bore it to tears. When asked how it’s going, the answer isn’t dramatic. It’s simply, “It’s good.”
This is the era of 6–7 dating, a trend quietly reshaping how Gen Z approaches romance.
At first glance, the phrase sounds brutal. And before you ask us, no, we aren't talking about a rating scale. The 6–7 dating trend isn’t about looks, money, or status. It’s about the emotional experience. It's not really mediocre, but rather stable, warm, consistent, and safe.
In a dating culture exhausted by ghosting, love-bombing, and situationships, 6–7 represents something almost radical: peace. Instead of chasing a mythical 10 who brings chaos with chemistry, more people are choosing connections that feel manageable, mutual, and mentally healthy.
The trend talks about choosing someone who feels “good enough” emotionally rather than overwhelming or intoxicating. These relationships aren’t driven by obsession or adrenaline. They are built on communication, respect, and realistic expectations. There’s attraction, of course, but it’s not all-consuming.
Think of it like this: a 10/10 relationship often comes with high highs and very low lows, but the 6-7 sits comfortably in the middle. It is someone who shows up when they say they will. Someone who doesn’t play hot-and-cold games, and someone who texts back without making it a power move.
Why Gen Z is actively choosing this now
This trend didn’t appear out of nowhere. Gen Z grew up watching millennial dating culture unfold online, complete with toxic tropes being romanticised in movies and shows. The emotionally unavailable bad boy, the dramatic breakups, the idea that love has to hurt to be real, and the girl who thinks she can "fix him." Add dating apps and constant social comparison, and it’s no surprise people are tired of the dating scene altogether.
Mental health awareness plays a big role here. Therapy language has entered everyday conversation. Boundaries, emotional regulation, and secure attachment are no longer niche concepts. Dating someone who triggers anxiety is no longer seen as exciting but as a red flag. The 6-7 dating trend reflects a generation that wants romance to be a sweet part of their lives, not an emotional chore.
Is this settling or is this growth?
While some might argue that this is just a fancier term for settling, those embracing 6–7 dating think otherwise. Settling usually implies giving up on what you want, whereas 6–7 dating is about redefining what you want in the first place. Instead of chasing intensity, people are prioritising compatibility. Instead of fireworks and butterflies, they are choosing warmth. The relationship may not feel like a dramatic Bollywood romcom, but it feels sustainable. That said, this doesn’t mean passion disappears. It simply shows up differently. It’s quieter and more intentional, less performative for social media and more meaningful in real life.
At its core, the 6–7 dating trend signals a shift away from romantic chaos being glorified as passion. In the end, love is choosing someone who makes your life feel easier, not harder. And honestly, in today’s dating landscape, that feels like a solid 10.
Lead image: Netflix
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