Black Women Value Effort Over Wealth in Dating, Survey Shows

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The Evolution of Dating: What Black Women Are Seeking in 2025

As the seasons shift and the air turns cooler, the dating landscape becomes more dynamic. This is a time when conversations around romance intensify—what should be the role of initiation, how much should a date cost, and who covers the bill? Amid these discussions, one group stands out with a clear message: effort matters more than income.

According to recent data from Hinge, 67% of Black women prioritize effort over financial status in a potential partner. This trend highlights a deeper desire for emotional connection and authenticity. In addition, 50% of Black women enjoy trying new activities together, and 84% value well-planned dates over expensive ones. Only 8% consider an expensive dinner a significant factor in their dating experiences.

Moe Ari Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist and Hinge’s Love and Connection expert, emphasizes that this preference stems from a need for meaningful interaction rather than materialistic gestures. “Black women are looking for effort more than they’re looking for a partner to provide a life for them or to have a higher income than them,” Brown explains.

The concept of effort extends beyond traditional expectations. It involves creating experiences that reflect genuine care and attention. For instance, planning a date that shows you’ve listened and understood a person’s preferences can make a significant impact. Brown notes that Black women often express a desire for dates that cultivate shared joy and ease, allowing them to feel at home without the pressure of performance.

This shift in priorities is not random but part of a broader generational movement. Many Black millennials grew up immersed in a cultural landscape rich with romantic narratives. From 90s R&B music to films like "Love Jones" and "Brown Sugar," Black romance was portrayed as tender, sultry, and aspirational. These influences shaped a generation's expectations for love, leading to a current demand for emotionally rich and authentic relationships.

Brown observes that the same desire for emotional connection transcends traditional relationship norms. “If you’re hearing from Black women, Black women want effort, then you’re seeing in relationships where there are two Black women, the effort is like a really beautiful 90s R&B video,” he humorously remarks. This sentiment reflects a deep-rooted cultural influence that continues to shape modern dating dynamics.

While financial stability remains important, it is not the sole factor in Black women’s dating preferences. According to Hinge’s data, 80% still value financial stability. However, Brown stresses that this does not diminish the importance of emotional availability and tangible effort. “It’s important that anybody dating a Black woman in this day and age really understands that on top of financial stability, what Black women are asking for is emotional availability and an effort in a real, tangible, and meaningful way.”

For Brown, the essence of love in 2025 lies in freedom, softness, and mutual effort. He envisions a future where relationships are built on shared joy and creativity, allowing individuals to be themselves without the burden of performance. An example of this could be a couple engaging in a home improvement project or cooking a meal together, creating moments of connection that foster a sense of liberation.

Ultimately, Brown believes that Black women deserve love that is both intentional and reciprocal. “Black women deserve love, deserve softness, deserve to feel liberated in their dating experiences,” he asserts. As the dating scene continues to evolve, the emphasis on effort and emotional connection is likely to shape the future of relationships in profound ways.