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New Gen-Z Dating Trend ‘Throning’ Has People ‘Glad They Were Born In The ’80s’
A new Gen-Z dating trend called ‘throning’ has people glad they’re not part of the age group!
Another day, another bizarre dating trend. We’ve already covered some awful trends to look out for, from ‘dexting‘ to ‘zombie-ing,’ to ‘floodlighting,’ or even the ‘penny method.’
In fact, the modern dating landscape feels like navigating a minefield of new trends and terminology.
Now, relationship experts are sounding the alarm about another Gen-Z dating trend that’s making older generations grateful for simpler times.
While the concept isn’t entirely revolutionary, ‘throning’ represents a particularly modern twist on an age-old practice.
‘Throning’ emerges alongside other contemporary dating trends that reflect Gen Z’s unique approach to love.
Recent surveys reported by the New York Post have identified additional patterns like ‘yap-trapping’ (being stuck with someone who dominates conversations) and ‘freak matching’ (finding partners with identical quirky interests).
The ‘throning’ phenomenon gained widespread attention when relationship experts began noticing patterns in how younger daters approach potential partnerships.
The ‘throning’ trend has sparked significant commentary from older generations, with many expressing relief about their own dating experiences.
Social media comments reflect this sentiment, with one reader writing: “This world proves to me more and more every day how lucky I am to have grown up in the 80s.”
Another social media user characterized ‘throning’ as reflecting ‘a generation prioritizing social currency,’ adding that ‘true connection and genuine love are timeless values that shouldn’t be overlooked.’
Relationship experts are expressing concern about the psychological implications of ‘throning.’
Jo Emerson, a human behavior expert, tells Newsweek that she attributes the trend’s popularity to social media’s influence on Gen Z’s worldview.
“Through the power of social media, Gen Zers have seen how the average person can very much become rich, influential, and famous, and they dream of this for themselves,” Emerson explained.
This differs significantly from previous generations’ relationship patterns.
“Whereas for Gen Xers or even millennials, you only really became famous if you were super talented and got lucky. In this day and age, anyone can become famous online, so wealth, influence, and power are within the average person’s reach.”
Kate Daly, relationship expert and cofounder of online divorce service amicable, outlined both potential benefits and significant drawbacks of the trend.
While acknowledging that status-driven dating might inspire personal growth or ambition when approached healthily, she warns of more serious consequences.
“Pursuing relationships based on status can create unrealistic expectations, as it may prioritize external markers of success over deeper connection or compatibility,” Daly noted.
“When partners are chosen primarily for their achievements or social standing, individuals risk developing a transactional view of relationships, where self-worth becomes tied to their ability to ‘match’ their partner’s status.”
Research supports experts’ concerns about ‘throning’s’ effectiveness as a dating strategy.
A 2018 study published in Science Advances found that dating app users consistently aim too high, seeking matches about 25 percent more desirable than themselves.
The study concluded that users are ‘unlikely to receive replies from people 25 percent more desirable than themselves.’
This creates a paradox where the pursuit of higher-status partners actually decreases the likelihood of forming meaningful connections.
As one researcher noted, the more people chase perceived status, the less likely they are to develop genuine, reciprocal relationships.
Talia Fiester, a 2023 UPenn graduate who studied Gen Z relationship patterns, describes this to Pure Wow as part of a broader ‘hyperindividualism’ fueled by social media culture.
The constant pressure for self-improvement and optimization extends to partner selection, creating unrealistic expectations that leave many feeling perpetually unsatisfied.
What makes ‘throning’ particularly relevant to Gen Z is the role social media plays in amplifying and displaying social status. In previous generations, dating someone of higher social standing might boost your reputation within immediate social circles.
This digital dimension transforms relationships into a form of personal branding. The person you’re seen with becomes part of your online identity, potentially opening doors to new social circles, career opportunities, or simply increased social media engagement.
For a generation that came of age during the rise of influencer culture, this connection between romantic partnerships and social capital feels natural.
The emotional toll of ‘throning’ affects both parties in these relationships. For those doing the ‘throning,’ the initial confidence boost of landing a ‘higher-status’ partner often fades when they realize the relationship lacks substance.
Emerson warns that relying on someone else’s status for self-worth ultimately backfires: “Short-term, the person who feels they’ve ‘won’ a higher-status partner might experience a confidence boost, but this will soon wear off when they realize they still feel ‘less than’ their partner.”
Meanwhile, those being ‘throned’ often feel used and objectified. “Can you imagine falling in love with someone only to realize they chose you for your social capital?” Emerson asked.
“It’s one reason celebrities struggle to find love: they never know if someone is genuinely into them or not.”
‘Throning’ refers to dating someone primarily to boost one’s social standing or reputation, essentially placing them on a metaphorical throne.
According to PureWow, it means ‘dating someone who boosts your reputation (and, probably, ego) just by association.’
Rather than seeking emotional compatibility or genuine attraction as primary motivators, many Gen Z daters are strategically selecting partners who can elevate their social standing. Unlike traditional gold-digging, which focused primarily on financial gain, ‘throning’ prioritizes social currency in our hyperconnected digital age.
Experts unanimously recommend that young daters focus on authentic connections rather than social advancement.
Emerson advises Gen Z to ‘climb their own social ladder, work on self-esteem, and choose partners based on genuine connections.’
“Love is about giving, caring, and trust, none of which are on the agenda if you’re seeking someone to help influence your social standing,” she emphasized.
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