Featured Image Credit: Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating, Dating trends, Advice, Life
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Dating, Dating trends, Advice, Life
I'm sure many of us are beyond ready for our hot girl summers to finally defrost once again as we re-enter the weird and wonderful world of dating.
Now, we already know all about the 'banana theory' dating trend everyone's obsessed with as well as the impact 'orbiting' dating can have on you - but what's the deal when it comes to age-gap relationships?
Well, Tyla sat down with a dating expert to give us a lowdown on the dating phenomenon and just why Gen Z singles seem to be so baffled when it comes to dating someone a little older.
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For example, 27-year-old Elizabeth Castaldi took to TikTok to document her experience dating a 35-year-old man.
Well, namely his texting.
After enjoying a date with the chap, she was left puzzled by a text he sent following their meet-up and took to the social media platform to get their two-cents on the situation.
In the message, her date wrote: “Hey, had fun last night. Have a good day."
Now, reading this, you wouldn’t inherently assume there’s anything wrong with the text.
Whilst the guy probably didn’t mean any harm by what he said, Elizabeth said that she felt like she had no idea whether he wanted to see her again.
And the tale is clearly all too relatable for fellow Gen Z daters who are not as used to the ultra formal, exclamation-less and emoji void messages they receive from former 90s kids.
Tina Wilson, an expert on dating, friendship and love in the digital age and founder of Wingman App, revealed one major problem age-gap relationships may face and exactly how to navigate it should it happen to you.
Speaking to us about what has changed in dating between generations, Tina told Tyla: "In terms of what’s changed, dating has become more fast-paced and technology-driven.
"Apps and social media have revolutionised how people meet and interact, leading to changes in dating norms and expectations, particularly in dating."
She continued: "For Gen Z, Zoom has become part of our every day lives and we long longer do everything face-to-face there is no stigma in saying let’s video chat for our first date as it’s practical to see if there is a spark before you meet face-to face."
Tina explains that while older generations might have relied more on 'face-to-face' and 'traditional dating methods', younger generations are more likely to initiate and maintain relationships through digital forms.
"Understanding and these changes can help bring different generations together and create better relationships!" the expert added.