In the tangle of modern relationships, where intimacy, love, and societal norms meet, a notable phenomenon has emerged: the delicate examination of desire within the parameters of commitment. This trend and the evolving nature of relationships in India are likely best exemplified by the phenomenal growth of the extramarital dating app Gleeden, whose user base has grown significantly in recent years. Gleeden, which already boasts 2.8 million subscribers in India, a 287% increase in 2024 alone, has made a name for itself as a resource for information on the complexities of contemporary married life.A recent Gleeden pan-India survey reveals some of the most popular dating habits among married couples, offering valuable insights into the complexities of modern love and desire.
"Our changing relationship with time, technology, and the desire for connection is reflected in the growth of these odd dating practices. Dating in 2025 is more about figuring out what works for you than it is about following the crowd. One thing is certain, 2025 will be the year of unconventional dating, as love continues to push boundaries and rewrite the rules. Therefore, the future of dating is as thrilling as it is uncertain, whether you're sunk into a digital fantasy or diving into local love." says Sybil Shiddell, Country Manager Gleeden, India
The Neighborhood is Your Dating Pool
When Cupid's arrows are flying in your own backyard, why travel far for love? In 2025, single people—and even couples—are using hyperlocal dating to connect with people nearby. These days, apps have "neighborhood match" features that let users find potential romantic partners nearby. Lovebirds between the ages of 25 and 35 are making their neighborhood cafés and parks the new romantic hotspots in cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kochi, which are leading the way. Benefits of being close include simple get-togethers, common interests, and fewer reasons for missing dates (we're looking at you, "traffic").
Love, Unplugged: Weekend Escapades Are the New Love Language
In a world where screens rule, romantics of 2025 are bidding farewell to constant messaging and hello to idyllic vacations. As couples and singles travel to neighboring towns in search of a little more anonymity and adventure, the trend of "out-of-town connections" is flourishing. According to Gleeden's findings, 25% of women and 21% of men visit neighboring cities or towns to strengthen their relationships. The most popular locations for these covert retreats are Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata; consumers point to the allure of combining romance with a dash of escape.
Digital Dalliances: Flirting Goes High-Tech
The level of virtual romance is rising! Leading the way are platforms such as Gleeden, which combine intimacy with technology for those who want to interact without any obligations. The study found that 15% of women and 17% of men prefer virtual interactions as a private means of expressing their wants. High-tech flirtations are becoming more common in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Kolkata, where people employ technology to close the gap between reality and imagination.
