Experts explain new Gen Z 'throning' dating trend that has people 'glad they were born in the 80s'

There’s so many different dating trends nowadays that it feels hard to keep up.

From the ‘penny method’ being enough to make people want to stay single forever and, of course, the dreaded ghosting - it’s a battlefield out there.

And now there’s something else in the mix to make getting into a relationship even more complicated for people.

Experts have explained the Gen Z dating trend ‘throning’ and it’s making older people ‘glad they were born in the 80s’.

Pretty demoralising, this happens when people don’t necessarily date for love but more to up their social status – you know, like getting on a metaphorical ‘thone’.

Dating online can be a battlefield. (Getty Stock)

So, while ‘getting on the throne’ might normally mean going for a p**s, in this case, PureWow defines the slang as ‘dating someone who boosts your reputation (and, probably, ego) just by association’.

I mean, we all know someone who tries to edge their way into friendships to boost themselves – high school anyone? But this takes it to another level.

And a previous study published in the journal Science Advances found that people on dating apps will seek out a match about '25 percent more desirable than themselves’.

Sure, throning isn’t necessarily a ‘new’ concept but perhaps a new term for something people have long been practicing having ‘dated up’ before.

Plus, with social media being a core part of people’s lives nowadays, it allows people to display their higher social status for everyone to see – making it look even more desirable and perhaps making them look even more desirable themselves.

So really, you could say throning is all about dating for clout.

Some daters may have a different intention. (Getty Stock)

The team at The Swaddle reckons that throning can often ‘lead to shallow and unfulfilling relationships’ and sometimes, for both the people involved.

It also points out: “The problem arises when one’s motivation to date another is driven solely by their social aspirations, rather than romantic interest, attraction, affection, and most other things that form the foundation of a relationship.”

And it adds: “In essence, then, throning prioritises influence and clout over shared interests and values, meaningful connection, and emotional intimacy.”

In the comments of a New York Post article, readers wrote: “This world proves to me more and more everyday how lucky I am to have grown up in the 80’s.”

And one user on X said it ‘reflects a generation prioritising social currency.

“True connection and genuine love are timeless values that shouldn't be overlooked," they added.