66% of young people abandon the idea of “having a drink” on a date: gen Z is reinventing the “sober” romantic encounter
For a long time, “going for a drink” was the almost obligatory gateway to a romantic date. A simple, reassuring formula… And sometimes used to give yourself a little bit of alcoholic courage before starting out, let’s admit it!
But Generation Z is now breaking this reflex. According to the report
Gen Z DATE 2025 from Hinge, 66% of French people using dating apps want to create connections without using alcohol. A figure revealing a profound change in culture: young people want more authentic, more direct exchanges, less disguised by the effects of alcohol.
The “sober connection”, the new norm of the first date
Hinge speaks of a true paradigm shift. The idea is not to dry up the convivial dimension of meetings (and to get bored together), but to remove alcohol as an “emotional crutch”.
The platform evokes the opposition between “liquid courage” and “real courage”: seduction would no longer rely on a drink to disinhibit oneself, but on the ability to show oneself as one is, without filter. And even imperfect.
For many young people, a sober date becomes a breeding ground for conversation, listening and assumed vulnerability. In short, to a more authentic connection.
A quest for authenticity at the heart of young people’s concerns
This development does not surprise Aline Nativel Id Hammoud, clinical psychologist, who receives many 18-25 year olds for consultation.
“I am not surprised by these figures. The young people I see have a lot of questions about the authenticity of the connections, the intentions of the partner and what defines a healthy relationship”she explains.
Mental health, avoiding toxic relationships and understanding control dynamics are common topics among young adults today. In this context, alcohol is seen as a factor that interferes with the exchange rather than facilitating it.
“From now on, young adults want to be clear about their own criteria, and for the other to be able to really show themselves as they are. Furthermore, many tell me that a partner who needs to drink to feel able to speak can worry them”she continues.
Sobriety and safety: a post-Covid and post-#MeToo need?
The psychologist also observes an increased need for emotional and relational security since the pandemic.
“There is a desire among this generation for coherence, meaning, self-protection. They are also very vigilant about the risks linked to unwanted sexualization when alcohol is involved”she adds.
This quest goes beyond the romantic framework: the relationship with alcohol also changes in friendships. Many young people prefer to surround themselves with people who share their vision of a more sober sociability, more respectful of their limits.
Dare to say your preferences: a learning process
There remains a challenge: how to propose a date without alcohol without appearing rigid? According to the psychologist, the secret is to simply assume your choices before the meeting. It is in fact more difficult to refuse consumption on site to the person you meet, if the idea has not been launched.
“This can be said in advance, by explaining that you prefer a coffee, a juice or an activity. The important thing is to remain consistent with yourself.”
Towards more real encounters
Ultimately, this movement would not just be a fashion, but a new way of thinking about encounters: an aspiration for quality rather than quantity.
By banning – or limiting – alcohol during their meetings, Generation Z puts the essentials back at the center: the real meeting, the one where we discover each other without artifice. A gentle revolution, but one that could well permanently redefine the codes of dating.