What is ‘throning’? Gen Z’s shameless new dating trend is gold-digging with a twist
Are they a total catch or just a clout chaser?
Gen Z has coined a new dating term for people who date less for love and more for social status: “Throning.”
According to PureWow, the slang term means “dating someone who boosts your reputation (and, probably, ego) just by association,” essentially placing them on a theoretical throne.
A past study published in the journal Science Advances found that dating app users attempt to find a match about “25% more desirable than themselves.”
“Throning” may not necessarily new concept. People have long aimed to “date up,” and the new practice may simply be a different form of “gold-digging” in an age where branding and social currency are just as important as actual currency.
The Swaddle reported that there isn’t necessarily wrong about forging connections to expand social circles — as long as it isn’t disguised as a romantic relationship.
According to the outlet, “the problem arises when one’s motivation to date another is driven solely by their social aspirations, rather than romantic interest, attraction, affection, and most other things that form the foundation of a relationship.”
The outlet added: “In essence, then, throning prioritizes influence and clout over shared interests and values, meaningful connection, and emotional intimacy.”
The “throning” trend comes shortly after a survey predicted what dating habits are likely to flourish in the new year, such as “yap-trapping” or “freak matching.”
The former refers to being stuck on a date with a person who dominates the conversation, while the latter is a nod to finding a partner who likes all the same quirky things, according to a Plenty of Fish survey.
“Freak matching” is an homage to the viral song “Nasty” by Tinashe, in which the artist poses the question: “Is somebody gonna match my freak?”
Conversely, the survey also found that some partners find solace in sharing the same dislikes.
“When we put less pressure on ourselves, dating becomes more about having fun and enjoying new experiences,” Plenty of Fish dating expert Rachel DeAlto said at the time of the survey.
