10 Ways Dating Now is Different Than Dating in the ‘80s

Remember when you met someone at a bookstore or in school or even at the gym? Those days are no more! Today, couples are more likely to meet online—through dating sites or on social media—than they are in the real world.

First date: what’s that? In 2015 a potential date has been Googled, Facebooked and Internet-stalked so much that there’s no real need for first-date jitters. Everyone already knows the key points about each other before ever meeting face-to-face!

Remember way back when the wait to hear back from a crush was agonizing? You’d have to sit by the phone and pray they’d call (and that your mom, father or sibling wouldn’t pick up when they did!). Now getting in touch with someone is as simple as sending a quick text.

We’re just going to say it: ‘80s outfits were the best. The hair! The scrunchies! The high-waisted jeans! It was all so over-the-top. Thanks to athleisure and hipsterism, what one wears on a date now is much more casual and relaxed. Sweatpants are a suitable pant option.

To the point above, blind dates aren’t really blind anymore because so much information is shared on a potential dating candidate before the big event actually happens. People can even text their date a photo of what they’re wearing so they can be picked out from a crowd.

John Hughes knew how girls in the ‘80s wanted to be romanced: with romantic tunes, dancing, birthday cakes and sweet words. Today, being romantic is much more elaborate. Sweeping gestures are way more public; they may even involve videographers who capture a moment on film then promptly post it to YouTube.

Being able to go on a date without breaking the bank was one of the many benefits of dating 30 years ago. Movies were cheap, candy was only five cents and drive-ins combined food and a movie all for the price of $5. Today, going out will set you back at least $25.

Speaking of cost, the skyrocketing price of date-night activities has led to a complete shift in what potential couples actually do. Concerts or movie dates have given way to park sits and even window shopping. Free lectures, art talks and even cooking a meal at home are also more contemporary options.

Another danger of the Internet age is post-breakup stalking of an ex. Back in the ‘80s finding out what someone was up to was a long, arduous process; news travelled so slow that by the time you heard an update it was probably outdated. Thanks to Facebook, finding out what an ex is up to is only a small click away.

Ending a relationship is harder than ever in 2015. Not only do you have to do the deed in person (it’s never acceptable to do it via text or a phone call), but you also have to change your relationship status on multiple social platforms. You may even consider de-friending him, her or their posse of pals.