Dating Trends

The newest, hottest ways to meet the one for you!

It seems like every few years a new trend hits the singles scene. Not too long ago, online dating was new to us. Before that there was a rush of Speed Dating. Matchmaking services remain popular, if a bit costly. And there's always the old standby: a singles' bar, though the effectiveness of that scene is debatable. The following trends are sweeping cities near you, and you may find them just a little bit more interesting than the classic roads to romance! Why not give one of them a go? It seems like every few years a new trend hits the scene. Not too long ago, online dating was new to us. Before that there was a rush of Speed Dating. Matchmaking services remain popular, if a bit costly. But the following trends are sweeping cities near you, and you may find them just a little bit more interesting than the classic roads to romance!

Start playing games!
After waiting the requisite three days for every guy you've ever met to call you, you may be fed up with games, but there's a different strategy at play these days according to Social Circles, a New York based group for singles. It seems that games (you know, the old fashioned kind, played in a group with a board and/or dice, or something similar) are the hottest trend in dating. Singles are gathering in bars, cafes and clubs across the country for rounds of Scrabble and Pictionary (not to mention a host of other games). "These events appeal to everyone because they're naturally interactive. You don't have to worry about making small talk," Lynn Reich, the head of Social Circles told one dating site. Even if you don't know how to play a certain game when the evening begins, "it's a great for team building while being social and fun." Even better, is that there are game events to suit every taste! New York's Urban Outings throws game nights for gay men. The Unity Church of Christianity in Houston hosts game nights for Christians. And in Los Angeles, My People Connection makes a bid for the brainy with strategy games like Settlers of Catan or Betrayal at House on the Hill. From a meeting-people-perspective, the best part about game playing is that it keeps you occupied with an activity (removing conversational pressure), while simultaneously revealing personality traits. "The foundation of a relationship is a shared experience, and playing games does that automatically," Brian Stein, cofounder of Urban Outings told MSN. "We had one couple who met over a series of Monopoly nights, then wound up moving to Paris in this whirlwind romance. It's great to think you can go from selling hotels on Park Place to Paris!"

Heat things up!
Seems like dirt isn't all dishin' in the kitchen these days. Several organizers are betting that a healthy serving of romance awaits those who enroll in singles-only cooking classes being offered nationwide. The idea stems from the belief that if you get single people together and teach them how to cook a really great meal then let them enjoy the results together, you'll heat up their love lives, not just their main course. No cooking skills are required for the classes where "students" learn how to prepare a gourmet meal (then get to eat it!). In fact, it can be a benefit to be a novice. "Having the activity of cooking to focus on made it easier to talk to people" Tamara Santos told MSN Dating. Apparently, Santos met her husband Rick at a singles cooking night hosted by Gourmet Gatherings, which throws these events in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Chicago and Santa Monica. Though they were working in different groups (Tamara on the main course, Rick on the pesto shrimp appetizer), Rick's group finished early and circulated to give samples. He made a special effort to be sure Tamara got a taste. At the end of the night, participants received copies of the recipes as well as digital photos and email address of their fellow cooks. Tamara told MSN she got emails from three men, and went on dates with two of them - including the man who became her husband. "It turns out Rick loves to cook, and he has made me many gourmet meals ever since," she said. Seems that's just one of many added benefits to trying this trend. After all, who couldn't use a good dose of dessert here and there! Multiple companies offer similar courses including nights centered on a theme like Tuscan cooking, Asian fusion or baking with chocolate… If you're a foodie or interested in finding one, look for a singles cooking night near you!

Spell it out!
If you hated spelling in the third grade there's great news for you. You've got two options: enjoy the spoils of adulthood in another dating arena (because you're never required to spell aurora borealis again), or avenge yourself! Smart singles in urban areas are taking part in singles spelling bees! Thanks to the popularity of books like Bee Season, Singles Spelling Bees were the brainchild of Zac Cushner, coordinator of an organization that specializes in offbeat mixers. "We're always trying to host fun events where what's going on is the focal point" he tells MSN, "if you meet someone, that's an additional bonus. That's definitely the new wave of dating and meeting." Luckily though, the brain-teasing challenge and school day nostalgia are where the similarities to the events of our youth end. At Singles Spelling Bees there is an open bar for those who feel like a cocktail may soothe their nerves and the word categories include "uncomfortable things," "brand names" and "mythological creatures." Some of the misspellings at Kushner's first event: Snoop Doggy Dogg (two Gs!) and chupacabra. MSN quoted one 29 year old attendee as saying "I don't even think 'meticulosity' is a word, but that comment sure beats "come here often?" as an ice-breaker."

Curious if this is "the one"? Let one of our gifted Love Psychics help spell out your future! Call 1.800.573.7495!