The growing popularity of situationships is changing how we define love, commitment, and emotional intimacy.
Gen Z is ditching relationship labels while millennials, they are conflicted. The groups are changing how we define love and commitment.In a world where ghosting is easier than a breakup and therapy-speak dominates TikTok, more young adults are choosing “situationships” over traditional relationships. But is this modern love style freeing or just confusing?
For Gen Z and Millennials, the term “situationship” has become a defining relationship status — not quite single, not fully committed, and often without a clear endpoint. Unlike casual hookups of the past, situationship
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According to a 2024 study by Hinge, 67% of Gen Z users said they’ve been in at least one situationship in the last year. Millennials aren’t far behind. Many say it offers freedom and flexibility, especially in a dating culture shaped by mental health awareness, financial uncertainty, and a post-pandemic shift in priorities.
But that freedom comes with a cost.
“Situationships can feel safe because there’s no pressure, but they also leave people emotionally confused,” says Dr. Maya Collins, a relationship therapist based in Los Angeles. “You’re investing time and emotions without knowing where it’s going.”
For Gen Z, who often value emotional nuance and resist traditional binaries, the situationship can feel aligned with broader social values — autonomy, exploration, and authenticity. Meanwhile, older Millennials, many of whom are navigating fertility timelines or recovering from divorce, often find themselves torn between the appeal of low-pressure intimacy and the need for clarity.
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Social media has only amplified the trend. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are flooded with memes, breakup stories, and “therapy talk” about attachment styles, emotional unavailability, and breadcrumbing — all of which fuel both the popularity and the pitfalls of situationships.
So, is this a generational fear of commitment — or are we just rewriting the rules of love?
Maybe both.
As romantic norms continue to evolve, one thing is clear: communication is key. Whether you’re vibing with someone casually or looking for a long-term partner, defining the relationship — even if just for the moment — is the healthiest move.
