Gen Z and Millennials have found a way around the soaring cost of dating

Dating is tough, and not just because everyone is collectively burned out on dating apps. Searching for a potential partner also means spending money just about every time you meet someone IRL. But now, both Millennials and Gen Zers seem to be hacking the system by opting for free dates. According to a new survey of 5,400 Gen Z and Millennial daters in the U.S. from the dating app Hily, opting for no-cost dates is a popular idea with both generations. More than one in three Gen Zers and two in five Millennial American daters say they have suggested a free event for a date. Likewise, 17% of Gen Z reported that they’ve been asked on a free date, like a promotional event, while 25% of Millennials said the same. And even more daters say they aren’t opposed to the concept, either. 47% of Gen Z and 54% of Millennials said they’d accept the offer for a no-cost date — no questions asked. Still, while going on free dates appeals to some, which makes sense given the rising cost of living, not to mention dating, some say a date that doesn’t require spending is off-putting. Mostly, it’s women who take issue with freebies. 44% of Gen Z women and 39% of Millennial women said free dates don’t ma…