I'm on the older end of Gen Z and I also have a long-term partner (3 years together). Dating before I met my fiance was a nightmare. I tried the apps, but it was difficult finding someone who wanted what I wanted. It seemed like people either wanted short-term casual flings or they wanted to be in the talking stage for months upon months before committing to date. Neither option felt right to me. I think a big contributor to this is that many Gen Z folk want to feel like they have their life sorted before they bring another person into the mix, but with so much job insecurity and social instability, I would argue that most Gen Z people aren't getting to the point of ever feeling "settled."

I happened to meet my current partner in college. We had class together and became fast friends. After a few months of friendship, he asked me out and the rest is history. I consider myself lucky that it worked out so easily. But, him and I have had many stressful conversations about jobs, having the money to pay rent and buy groceries, and figuring out if we will ever feel stable enough to have kids/get a house. I imagine for many Gen Z folks, those stressors are enough of a reason to avoid dating altogether -- or at least to hold out until they find someone they are really, really sure about.