Paul Brunson, Tinder global relationship insights expert, explains stack dating: “It folds seamlessly into the flow of your everyday life”
From errand dating to packed calendars, stack dating shows how young singles are reshaping romance around busy lives.
Not all that long ago, going on a date with somebody you’d met online was something you’d only admit to if you had a gun pointed at your head. Nowadays, however, it’s an act that has become completely normalized in an increasingly online world. To such an extent, in fact, that some people are arranging multiple dates in a single week, and even on the same day, with people they’ve met on Tinder or similar dating apps.
What is stack dating?
That’s the broad definition of the term stack dating, piling one rendezvous on top of another, as the name suggests. And in true 2026 fashion, it’s all about cramming as much as possible into the limited time we have available.
Paul Brunson, Tinder’s global relationship insights expert (yes, that’s a real job), explains: “‘Stack dating’ is essentially designing your dating life the same way you design the rest of your day, with intention, efficiency, and a whole lot less pressure. It’s when someone schedules back-to-back dates that fit naturally into their routine. Some people even call it ‘errand dating,’ because it folds seamlessly into the flow of your everyday life.”
Errand dating. Who said romance was dead?
Why Gen Z is embracing stack dating
The data, again from Tinder, suggests Gen Z is comfortably the demographic most likely to partake in a spot of stack dating. In fact, 51% of Gen Z respondents say they’re open to the approach.
“Gen Zers are making this kind of dating work for them,” Brunson said. “They’ve figured out that dating matters, but it doesn’t have to dominate the day or throw off their rhythm. They’re placing a higher value on their own time, and respecting their matches’ time, too.”
For many young adults, it’s all about filling gaps in already packed calendars. But not everybody is a fan.
Is dating becoming too efficient?
If the thought of squeezing in a breakfast date before work or grabbing a quick bite during your lunch break feels rushed and halfhearted, you’re not alone.
“While it might save time, it often strips dating of curiosity, fun, and emotional presence, turning people into options instead of treating them as unique individuals,” opines Seeking.com dating expert Emma Hathorn. “Dating works best when there’s space to slow down. Not everything needs to be optimized and time-efficient.”
Stack dating probably isn’t for everyone, but it’s a very modern solution to a very modern problem: looking for a connection without giving up control of your schedule. Romance might still be alive, it just has a tighter turnaround time.
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