Eventbrite’s New Report Reveals Why Singles Are Shifting from Online to Offline Dating in Favor of Shared Experiences

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 6, 2024--

Today, Eventbrite is releasing Niche to Meet You™, a new report offering insights into today’s dating scene, focusing on the transition from online to offline dating and highlighting the activities preferred by Gen Z and Millennials.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240606525971/en/

In the past year, Eventbrite has seen a notable rise in speed dating and singles events, driven by young singles who are experiencing online dating fatigue and seeking face-to-face interactions where they can bond over shared interests. We’ve seen over 1.5M searches for dating and singles events 1 on our platform alone, signaling a strong desire for in-person connections.

From URL to IRL: What’s Driving the Transition

Younger generations face many challenges with online dating, such as finding someone who shares their interests – 45% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials consider this one of their biggest dating obstacles. Safety is also a top concern; 47% of those who favor in-person dating believe it reduces the risk of someone hiding their true identity. Many modern daters also crave deeper connections beyond surface-level interactions, which is why the majority of Millennials (69%) prefer in-person dating because it feels more genuine.

Embracing Shared Experiences for Authentic Connections

Eventbrite’s research found that Gen Z and Millennials are exploring new ways to connect, moving away from traditional hangouts like bars and parties to activities like social clubs and hobby-based events. They now see third places like coffee shops, bookstores, and libraries as ideal spots to meet potential partners. Many also want to share interests such as cooking, popular with 46% of Gen Z and 41% of Millennials, and niche hobbies like thrifting clothes and collecting. Plus, about a third (33%) think they’ll meet someone special at activities like dance classes or painting workshops.

Redefining First Dates: Putting Fun First

When it comes to planning a first date, 82% of Gen Z and Millennials want to do something they both enjoy. Budget-wise, 62% of Gen Z aim to keep it under $50, though spending habits vary by gender. Traditional gender roles still influence planning, with 63% of men enjoying taking the lead, while 74% of women like being surprised. As dating norms change, so do activities; 42% of singles want to step out of their comfort zones. It’s also refreshing to see that most—70% of men, 74% of women, and 72% of active daters—consider a first date successful if they had fun. Moreover, 32% of men and 29% of women believe a unique experience is crucial, often seeing it as a potential stepping stone to other future dates.

“Young singles are diving into their passions and exploring all sorts of niche activities, hoping to connect with someone who shares their interests, but ultimately, they’re just out there doing things they love, no matter the outcome,” shared Roseli Ilano, Head of Community at Eventbrite. “It’s been amazing to see the variety of events people are into, from book clubs to kintsugi pottery and brewing classes. And we’re so grateful for our incredible community of event creators who make all these experiences possible, ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter how niche their interests may be.”

The Niche to Meet You™ report also features tips and insights from: Matchmaker Maria, Professional Matchmaker and CEO of Agape Matchmaking; Casey Lewis, Gen Z expert and Founder of After School; and Maxine Williams, Founder of We Met IRL.

As the leading destination for event discovery, Eventbrite is now making it easier for singles to meet in person by introducing a dedicated page where they can find a wide range of singles and dating events, along with unique date ideas, that cater to all kinds of passions and interests. We’re also teaming up with We Met IRL, who hosts singles events in NYC, to launch Niche to Meet You™ IRL, a free summer event series for singles starting on June 19th. Featuring activities like pizza tours and cheese 101 classes, this series offers NYC singles opportunities to bond over shared interests and make meaningful connections. For details on the series and how to get free tickets, those interested can follow @Eventbrite and @WeMetIRL on social media.

Download Eventbrite’s Niche to Meet You™ report here and assets here.

Eventbrite Platform Data Methodology

1 Using Eventbrite platform data, including event data and website / app data, collected in the USA over the one-year period from May 2023 to April 2024.

Survey Methodology

This survey was written in collaboration between GWI and Eventbrite, and was then distributed by a panel in an online format, to 1,001 respondents in the USA with each respondent being compensated at an agreed rate for their time. The survey was fielded from March 7th, 2024 to March 26th, 2024. Each survey took approximately 20 minutes to complete. For this study, a sample of GWI USA survey respondents, aged 21 to 35, were recontacted.

About Eventbrite

Eventbrite is a global events marketplace that serves event creators and event-goers in 180 countries. Since its inception, Eventbrite has been at the center of the experience economy, transforming how people organize and attend events. The company was founded by Julia Hartz, Kevin Hartz and Renaud Visage, with a vision to build a self-service platform that would make it possible for anyone to create and sell tickets to live experiences. With over 300 million tickets distributed for over 5 million events in 2023, Eventbrite is where people worldwide discover new things to do or new ways to do more of what they love. Eventbrite has also earned industry recognition as a top employer with special designations that include a coveted spot-on Fast Company’s prestigious The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies and Fast Company’s Brands That Matter lists, the Great Place to Work® Award in the U.S., and Inc.’s Best-Led Companies honor. Learn more at www.eventbrite.com, and follow us on socials @Eventbrite on Facebook,Instagram and TikTok.

Eventbrite Niche to Meet You logo (Graphic: Eventbrite)

PARIS (AP) — Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique urged his players to be more “attentive” to rapid attacks after failing to win two games in a row.

PSG salvaged a 2-2 draw at Rennes on Sunday thanks to two late goals from substitute Ferran Torres on his club debut. That draw followed a 1-0 defeat to Lens in the Trophée des Champions, the French Super Cup.

“(Transitional play) was one of our strengths over the past three seasons, being attentive to that,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said after the Rennes game. “There are certain positions where you need to be sure your position is covered by another player. If you’re a little bit distracted, you can have problems.”

Both Rennes goals were scored on quick breaks and PSG's transitional play was also exposed when Lens scored the week before.

With so many players involved in the World Cup, PSG's players barely had any preseason training before beating Aston Villa 2-1 in the UEFA Super Cup on Aug. 12.

“I think it depends on the physical shape of the players,” Luis Enrique said, reflecting further on the Rennes goals.

Some PSG players looked a bit jaded against Rennes, with Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembélé — who starred for France at the World Cup — replaced at halftime.

PSG was already 2-0 down by then.

On the first Rennes goal, Sebastian Szymanski was left in far too much space on the edge of the penalty area following a quick break down the left. The second goal was scored by striker Esteban Lepaul, following a rapid break down the right which pulled PSG players out of position.

Rennes almost scored the winner with minutes remaining following another counterattack on the left, with PSG defender Willian Pacho clearing a header off the line.

“The counterattacks were not the only problem, it was also about the quality and speed of the Rennes forwards,” Luis Enrique said. “They were very dangerous and difficult to handle.”

PSG was meant to be at home but the game was switched to Rennes because of damage to PSG’s pitch following a brutal heatwave in Paris this summer.

Defending champion PSG will be away from home again when it takes on Lille on Friday.

See AP’s full soccer coverage here

PSG's goalkeeper Matvei Safonov deflects the ball during the UEFA Super Cup soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

PSG's head coach Luis Enrique instructs his players during the UEFA Super Cup soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Heinz-Peter Bader)