Move over situationship, nanoship is the way singles will be dating in 2025

In today’s world, dating is like a never-ending software update—just when you think you’ve got it figured out, something new pops up. Once upon a time, love blossomed through handwritten letters and poetic confessions. Now? It’s all about the lazy “wyd” text.

Relationships, situationships, textationships—these days, we’ve got more labels than a supermarket aisle to answer the dreaded “what are we?” question. And just when you thought the glossary of modern love was complete, we have a new buzzword making waves: nanoships.

Yep, Nanoships are officially the new thing in the ever-evolving world of romance.

Tinder, a dating app, recently released it’s annual ‘Year In Swipe’ report of 2024, providing an inside look at the pulse of modern dating in 2024. The report also highlights how singles reshaped romance and connection this year while offering insights into the trends likely to influence the dating landscape in 2025.

This report also released a survey of 8,000 singles and actively dating people aged 18-34 (2,000 each from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia) between 3 and 18 March 2024. This research found that no romantic connection would feel too small to matter.

Singles are finding meaning in even the tiniest interactions - whether it’s something serious or just for fun, those little micro-moments are leading to real possibilities, through this trend called nanoships.

What is it?

Picture this: You meet someone at a club or a wedding, and there it is—that sweet, stolen moment of glances and shy smiles. You share a fleeting but adorable memory, a little bubble of connection that exists just for that instant. And that’s all it is, no strings, no follow-ups. This brief, heartwarming encounter is the perfect example of a nanoship—a tiny spark of romance that lights up your day and leaves you with a smile.

Whether it’s that quick spark with someone on the metro that you call an “eyecontactship” to the person who regularly texts you “good morning” or “share you Reels on th”. Nanoships are all about finding joy in small interactions.

Think of it as a "situationships", but the time is brief and those fleeting encounters that may only last a few hours, days, or a single interaction. Nanoships often without much emotional depth or long-term intention.

There's joy in these little fleeting interactions. Photo: Unsplash

It’s the sort of connection that could happen over a quick coffee, a shared moment at a party, or a fun chat on a dating app that ends as quickly as it started. It reflects the fast-paced nature of modern dating, where some interactions are enjoyed for what they are, without any expectation of them evolving into something serious.

Mumbai-based relationship expert and author Shahzeen Shivdasani says that a lot of singles are finding joy in these fleeting interactions.

“These small moments take centre stage because, in the process of finding love, dating, and settling down, there are times when you’re completely by yourself. Those are your solid moments, the ones where you figure out who you are, and that understanding keeps evolving and changing,” she adds.

Why are nanoships all the rage right now?

If relationships or situationships are not it for you right now, for whatever reason, experts also agree that nanoships can be the one right thing for you.

Shahzeen tells us that it’s human to feel lonely sometimes and to crave connection. In fact, data shows that 1 out of 5 people in the entire globe is lonely.

Nanoship is the smaller cousin of situationship. Photo: Unsplash

“These fleeting interactions offer single people a spark of hope. They add a little pep to your step, a touch of excitement, and a reminder that something great could be on the horizon. It’s that sense of possibility and new opportunities that makes these small moments so joyful - they’re hopeful, and that hope is enough to keep us going,” Shahzeen concludes.

What are the other predicted trends of 2025?

Tinder’s study has also predicted other dating trends for 2025, apart from nanoships. Have a look at some.

Loud looking

Whether it's a "Man in Finance" or "Gamer Girlfriend," according to the study, singles are now ditching the vague and getting vocal and specific about their needs and desires, confidently and unapologetically.

Kiss-met

Kiss-met is a playful twist on "kismet," meaning destiny or fate. This planned-but-unplanned seems to be the vibe for 2025. While many connections may start online, the real magic happens in those unscripted, unexpected moments - enter the Kiss-met.

The study shows that this year, singles are stepping away from rigid dating “rules” and embracing more authentic connections.

Activities like casual hike dates (a priority for nearly 40% of surveyed singles), pottery classes (where 34% are ready to get creative), and vintage shopping trips are becoming popular choices.

“The focus for 2025 is on simple, unpolished moments that make dating feel real and meaningful,” the study reveals.

Source: India Today