The phenomenon of "ghosting," where one partner abruptly and without explanation ceases all communication, affects modern dating more strongly than ever before. According to the latest data from the Modern Dating Sindex survey, commissioned by the Sinless Vodka Cocktails brand, 79% of Gen Z representatives have experienced this behavior. These numbers slightly exceed the experiences of millennials, 75% of whom reported ghosting.
The report, conducted by Wakefield Research on a sample of 2,000 adult Americans aged 25 to 45, reveals that dating missteps are not a one-sided affair. 58% of respondents admitted to having "ghosted" someone themselves. The average person who resorted to ghosting ended contact with 11 people in this way over their lifetime. The Sinless Vodka brand accompanies its product concept, built on "sinful" pleasure without guilt, with this index.
A total of 92% of active daters admit to committing at least one of the widespread dating sins.
Gen Z Sets Stricter Boundaries
Although younger generations make more mistakes in digital communication, they are paradoxically more demanding of polite behavior in the real world. The survey showed that Gen Z more often uses so-called double texting (59% compared to 50% for millennials) and exhibits a higher rate of love bombing, i.e., intense showering of affection at the beginning of a relationship (55% vs. 46%). On the other hand, they are uncompromising when it comes to etiquette.
Differences in tolerance for transgressions between generations are particularly evident in these points:
- Chronic lateness — 37% of Gen Z members see it as an insurmountable problem, but only 29% of millennials.
- Opening doors — 18% of younger daters refuse to date someone who doesn't hold doors for their partner, while for millennials, it's 12%.
- Digital surveillance — 76% of people track who viewed their content or scrutinize social media matches years back.
Dating Roster and Backup Strategies
The data also uncovers the pragmatic side of modern relationships. 65% of respondents admitted to maintaining a "dating roster" – a list of potential partners for various occasions. Within this system, 42% of people keep a companion for parties, 39% have a contact purely for sex, and 34% maintain a backup option in case a planned date falls through. Related to this is the term "cushioning," which 43% of respondents admit to. This involves maintaining contact with other people in case their current relationship breaks down.
Only 16% of respondents prefer an honest and direct rejection during a breakup; the majority opt for a gradual fading out.
In addition to partner dynamics, the Sindex also tracks specific milestones that lead to breakups. It turns out that people end their relationships strategically. For example, 42% of daters ended a casual relationship just before a significant day to avoid couple celebrations. Specifically, 20% of relationships end before Valentine's Day, and an equal 16% before the partner's birthday or their own birthday.
Insurgible Obstacles on the First Date
Even though the dating scene seems full of tolerance for bad habits, there are points that are non-negotiable. For 88% of people, there is specific behavior that instantly ruins chances even with an otherwise promising prospect. At the top of the "dealbreakers" list is rudeness to restaurant staff, which 55% of respondents deemed unacceptable. Half of those surveyed cannot tolerate constant phone checking during a date.
Sinless Vodka Cocktails, which sponsored the survey, states that the goal was to bring to light topics usually discussed only in private chats. The brand sells its drinks with 100 calories and zero sugar in flavors like Cranberry, Pineapple, Black Cherry, and Peach. According to Kat Hayes, the brand's Marketing Director, the biggest sin is pretending these things don't happen, even though they are now mainstream in dating.
Modern dating in 2026, when the survey was published, thus becomes a combination of high demands for personal etiquette and the pragmatic use of digital tools to maintain multiple options simultaneously. Whether these trends will soften in the future or become a fixed norm remains an open question for further sociological observations.