Dating is challenging, partly due to burnout from dating apps and the expense of meeting new people. Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly embracing free dates as a solution to these financial pressures. A recent Hily survey found that over a third of Gen Zers and two-fifths of millennials have suggested or accepted free date ideas. Nearly half of Gen Z and over half of millennials would readily accept a no-cost date. However, some daters, particularly women, find free dates unappealing, viewing them as low-effort or indicative of a lack of seriousness. A significant portion of both generations believe that individuals unable to afford a paid date should refrain from asking someone out. This trend emerges as the cost of dating has outpaced the cost of living, with date nights for millennials now averaging $252. Gen Zers are spending an average of $205 on their dates. Consequently, many singles feel that date nights are no longer financially justifiable. Ultimately, for many, the options seem to be either free dates or no dates at all.