Men often complain of few dating app matches or even none at all, but according to a new report from DatingNews.com and Kinsey Institute, they are going on a significantly higher number of dates than women.
The study found that men go on 48 percent more dates than women.
Why It Matters
Dating apps and the broader dating culture have long been a source of frustration for men and women alike.
Men often complain about getting a limited number of matches, if they receive matches at all, while women are often inundated with what they perceive as low-quality options or men not looking for the same thing they are.
What To Know
The higher number of dates that men are going on could reveal a key difference in how the genders approach dating, with women more likely to pull back from dating altogether.
“Several variables can contribute to this finding. Men and women may label dates differently. What one person sees as a casual hangout, another might consider a date,” eHarmony relationship expert, licensed social worker, and mental health educator Minaa B told Newsweek.
“A man might count grabbing coffee or going for a walk, while a woman might see that as getting to know someone before it becomes a date. It’s also possible that some men are going on multiple dates with the same person, which would increase their count, while women may be more selective or cautious about who they meet in person.”
Half of all surveyed singles said they’re not investing much at all into dating, and only 9.4 percent of surveyed singles say they’re investing a great deal into exploring connections.
The lack of interest in dating also extends to how much singles are spending on the endeavor.
Over half (55 percent) of singles haven’t spent anything on dating or romance in the past year. For those who did, the average annual spend was just over $400, with men outspending women across every category.
Of those who did spend money on dating, nearly half (46.7 percent) said it was worth it.
The study was based on a sample of 2,000 single U.S. adults, aged 18 to 91, who participated in an online survey from April 29 to May 8, 2025.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Justin Lehmiller, Kinsey’s lead researcher on the project, told Newsweek: “Where the math isn’t really ‘mathing’ is with heterosexual men and women. Who are straight men going on all of those extra dates with? Part of the story is that there’s a small number of men going on a lot of dates that’s bringing up the male average. We find that about 5 percent of straight men went on more than 10 dates last year compared to only 2 percent of straight women who said the same.
“However, it might also be that straight men are more prone to exaggerate the number of dates they went on. We know from other research that men report having about twice as many sexual partners as women—but when they’re hooked up at a lie detector, they actually report pretty similar numbers.”
Mental health educator Minaa B told Newsweek: “This data shows that although people want to date, they face obstacles that can lead to dating fatigue and emotional exhaustion. While many seek love, they may struggle to develop the skills that are necessary for a meaningful partnership and connection, such as spending quality time, making an effort, being vulnerable, and being willing to compromise.”
What Happens Next
Personal finance and life stresses could be at play for why both men and women alike are dating less these days, experts say.
“Life stressors can also reduce one’s desire to date, especially if they feel they lack the time, energy, finances, or availability needed to build a new connection,” Be said. “However, with self-awareness and intentional effort, many people can overcome these challenges and find fulfilling relationships.”
