'Freak matching' is the latest Gen Z dating term and experts reveal why it's actually a green flag
Dating trends have been exploding since the creation of the internet, but Gen Z has taken it to a new level with the branding of ‘Freak Matching’.
Gen Z are back at it again with the unusual dating trends, and this time it's something much healthier than Shrekking, which occurs when a person ‘dates down’ with someone who they view as below their level of attractiveness. This is so they are less likely to be left heartbroken or broken up with, as the person may be grateful to have found such a catch.
Yeah, I know, not great, but this one is way better (I promise).
Most of us dipping our toes in the dating pool try to link up with people who are similar to ourselves. Whether it’s your music taste, your style, or beliefs, there really is someone out there for everyone (or multiple people, if that's your thing).
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But mostly, we tend to dampen our true selves in the dating world until we feel comfortable enough to let it shine. Unless you’re looking for someone to match your freak, in which case, it’s better to let it all out in the initial phase – and apparently, Gen Z is all about it.
According to a survey conducted by Plenty of Fish, it found that 2025 has been seeing a boom in a very specific dating need: Freak Matching.
Okay, so it is exactly what it sounds like: two people who let their freaks out, bonding over their oddities and weird habits.
The poll looked at 5,200 people in the US to find that this trend is overwhelmingly popular among the younger generation.
Whether you’ve both got a catalogue of Funko Pops, or you live out your relationship entirely on Elder Scrolls Online, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to matching freaks. As for the survey, a whopping 39 per cent of people said they bonded with someone over their shared quirk.
You didn’t ask, but I bonded with my SO over our love of 90s gaming consoles, Star Wars, and comics, so it worked out for me. He doesn’t get my aversion to socks though, so compromise is key.
According to dating coach Rachel DeAlto, she told Vice that it’s all about singles ‘no longer trying to hide their freakazoidness’.
As for another popular trend that’s taking the dating world by storm, Grim Keeping is something that I can get on board with.
It’s where you bond over your dislikes, like when people slurp their soups, using FaceTime to talk in public, or slating those who like a certain music genre.
The dating platform found that 28 percent of respondents admitted to bonding with someone over their mutual dislikes.
“People can resonate more with negativity,” said DeAlto. “It’s when both of you hate something.”
Topics: Dating, Sex and Relationships, Dating trends, Gen Z
Britt Jones