The Differences Between Dating Boomers, Gen Y, Gen X, and Millennials

Article written by Maya Vukovska

The sociologists have studied and categorized age groups mainly for marketing purposes. First comes the generation of the Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964). The next generation (1965-1980) didn’t have an obvious cultural identifier like the Boomers, and to illustrate their undetermined nature, they were called Gen X - a term which became popular thanks to Billy Idol and the album of the same name released in 1978. Then came the Gen Y (1981 - 1996) the representatives of which are known as Millennials. Gen Z is the newest generation - they are currently between 6 and 24 years old. But age groups act differently not only as consumers of products and services, but also on the dating scene.

The swipe-shy Boomers

There are 72 million Baby-Boomers in the U.S. now. Their age varies somewhere between 57 and 75. The major historical events that have shaped their views and attitudes are the post-II-world-war optimism, the Cold War, and the hippie movement. If you are into sexy guncles with silver hair and sophisticated taste in scarves, movies, and music, that’s definitely your target generation squad.

Boomers are, by and large, quite skeptical about modern dating. They are used to meeting someone in person first, and then decide if it's a match or not. To them, finding someone with similar values is a priority. Friends are considered the best matchmakers as Boomers are quite reluctant when it comes to looking for dates online. If you are about to have a first date with a Boomer, it will most probably be for coffee or brunch rather than an evening get-together. And if the date goes well, you may expect a follow-up to happen much sooner than after a first date with a representative of another generation.

The Xers - the MTV generation

The rise of modern technologies, personal computing, and the feeling of being lost between the previous and the next generation have moulded Gen X. Unlike Boomers, they are digitally savvy, and would spend roughly 7-10 hours a week on social media. The Xers prefer talking on the phone to texting, and when they text, they rarely use emojis. Because they were teenagers in the 80s, they often insist on introducing their much younger boyfriends to band and styles from that time The Xers are at ease with the term “boyfriend” but use it only if it gets really serious. That means it can take some time before they introduce their new love interest to friends, family, and kids (if any).

As for the first date etiquette, an Xer would prefer to meet separately, so don’t expect him to suggest picking you up. If he’s older than you, it’s likely for him to pay for the dinner. But the condoms are on you.

The Millennials - The generation that feeds on Netflix and sushi

Your Millennial boyfriend is hooked on streaming services and fancy food. But he is probably financially challenged, too! His financial instability as a result of huge student debts makes him too cautious to live his genuine social-media version of himself.

The shaky economic situation of Gen Y is further linked to how they approach relationships. They are far less loyal to their partners, and the breakups are less formal (but also messier) than they used to be in Boomers’ and Xers’ youth. Ghosting has become a preferred way of ceasing communication with friends and lovers.

And when it comes to love and sex, never before has it been more effortless and uncomplicated to find a boyfriend or a casual hook-up - thanks to dating apps, of course. But selecting people only on a brief description and a few photos has turned the Millennials into poor judges of people and characters. Оh yes, and don’t expect your Millennial boyfriend to be yours “forever and ever.” Unconventional and open relationships are waters in which he swims with utmost confidence and pleasure.

Gen Z - the “woke” generation

Unlike their predecessors, these kids are too preoccupied with studying and working to care about fucking. Add in a pandemic, and sex and dating are going further down in their to-do list.

The Zenders have developed strong political awareness, and it is of crucial importance to them to know that the person they’re dating is not supportive of some important social cause just to impress them. They have to MEAN it. When you go on a first date with a Post-Millennial, test the waters first. Get yourself informed of his political views in advance, and try to convince him you are not wokefishing just to make him like you (or fuck you).

Unlike the Millennials, the Gen Z kids didn’t grow up watching romcoms, so the concept of “the one” is foreign to them. Despite their young age, Gen Z have realized that there’s no such thing as “love at first sight that lasts forever,” and that one needs to put in work and effort to make a relationship work.