From Shrekking to the Black Cat Boyfriend: 7 dating trends of 2025 that may shape relationships in 2026 too

Relationships these days are complex and so are modern dating terms that keep evolving with each passing year. With 2025 coming to an end and the beginning of 2026, let's take a look at some of the major relationship dating terms and trends that emerged in the year that has gone by, and they may continue to shape modern relationships in the coming year too. From Shrekking to the Black Cat Boyfriend, here are some dating trends that made the headlines in 2025 and what they mean:

As the term suggests, Swag Gap is used when there's an unusual pairing-- wherein in one person is more stylish and well-groomed than the other. While this might sound rude and shallow to some, if you notice closely that's how most traditional pairings are even today. For instance, Hailey Rhode Bieber Justin Bieber or Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan.

At a time when casual relationships are common, future-proofing is a dating trend that is the exact opposite of it. Future-proofing is all about dating with the intention of a long-term, stable relationship. In this, people have serious, open and honest conversations about what they want from a partner and their relationship right from the beginning so that everyone's on the same page and have clarity. Those who click prefer to make their relationship official soon.

While big, romantic gestures may sound appealing to some, they might not be consistent in the long run. However, what matters the most in long-term, steady relationships are small, meaningful and consistent gestures that keep the love alive. This is called micro-mancing, and many young couples (read Millenials and Gen Z) are now preferring this over loud and big lovey-dovey gestures. Micro-mincing is one's way of showing their love and care for their partner through small yet meaningful gestures.

A major dating preference that netizens showed was-- Black cat boyfriend. But who would be considered a black cat boyfriend? He's that mysterious, introverted guy with a bit of an emo vibe, the love interest who skips the cheesy flowers and big romantic gestures. Instead, he wins you over with this slow-burning loyalty, killer sharp wit, and just this intriguing aura that keeps you hooked. Think Conrad Fisher from 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' or Damon Salvatore from 'The Vampire Diaries'.

This year's worst dating trend? "Ghostlighting" - ghosting meets gaslighting in the most annoying way. The term is used when someone simply ghosts you without any warning or signs. Days later, they slide back into your life, acting like nothing really happened, making you question if you even remember right or gaslighting you into thinking you're the crazy one. It leaves you confused, doubting yourself, anxious, and feeling worthless.

Another toxic dating trends that emerged in 2025 is 'Shrekking', wherein someone chooses to date another person who is less attractive than them. They do this with the intention that their less-attractive looking partner will be loyal and kind to them. The term 'Shrekking' is inspired from the movie 'Shrek', which is about a giant monster who falls in love with a princess.

Ever feel your partner slowly ghosting you emotionally - there are no fights, but you can feel they are distancing themselves emotionally from you? That's called "banksying". It is a toxic dating trend, which is often considered to be worse than ghosting. They don't dump you; they just withdraw feelings bit by bit, making you question everything about them and your relationship. The term is named after street artist Banksy, who drops epic art, reveals it, then vanishes - no warning.