50% of Gen Z now do a 'background check' before the first date. Here's exactly what they're looking for

Back then, dating meant getting to know someone by asking them questions and slowly learning about their life. The dating world now looks much different for Gen Zers (1997-2012). The 15th edition of the annual "Singles in America" survey conducted by the Kinsey Institute shared new findings on September 14, 2026. Kinsey Institute surveyed 5,000 single Americans, 18 years and older, in 2026, using 120 questions. One important discovery was that Gen Zers wanted to get to know their dates before the date even happened. They use different available tools to get a better sense of who they're meeting. 

Getting to know them before the date

The annual "Singles in America" survey is one of the "most comprehensive and longest-running" studies of single adults. It focused on respondents' attitudes, behavior, and experiences with being single, their dating life, relationships, marriages, and children. It also studied how finance, work, gender roles, mental health, technology, politics, and social media impact these relationships.

One of the most surprising findings was that 50% of singles revealed they screened or looked up their dates before meeting them. 60% used social media to find out more information, 37% used Google, and 29% went as far as doing background checks. 

What do single Americans want?

Besides researching dates beforehand, the "Singles in America" survey also found that people were more interested in committed relationships and marriage. In 2021, 32% of respondents admitted they did not want to be in a relationship, but the number went down to 24% in 2026. Additionally, people who wanted to get married also went up from 33% in 2010 to 45% in 2026.

On another note, 41% of American adults were more willing to go on a second date after a boring first date, compared to 35% in 2021. Gen Z were also more open to sharing what they wanted from a long-term partner. In 2021, only 25% were open to discussing their "checklist" compared to 34% of Americans in 2026. At the core of relationships, Gen Z Americans are looking for someone they can trust and confide in (39%), someone who is emotionally mature (28%), someone who mutually respects them (53%), someone who can openly communicate (52%), and someone who makes them feel safe and secure (40%).

Why the first date starts before you meet

This isn't entirely new, either. A 2021 YouGov survey found that 44% of dating-app users had searched for a date's social media profile before meeting them, while 40% had searched their name online. Nearly seven in 10 had used at least one method to research a potential date beforehand. For many daters, checking someone's online presence can offer a sense of who they are and help them spot potential red flags before meeting a stranger in person.

'Knowing exactly who you'll fall for'

Dr. Justin Garcia, the executive director of Kinsey Institute and the co-lead of the study, said, "Singles today have clear expectations for a partner, but love still has the ability to surprise them. Nearly half have fallen for someone they weren't initially attracted to, and conversation, shared interests, and values can change how they see someone. Knowing what matters to you doesn't mean knowing exactly who you'll fall for." 

Dr. Amanda Gesselman, a senior research scientist at Kinsey Institute and the co-lead of the study, added, "Singles are placing more value on what kind of person they want their partner to be and are open to a more individualized future once they find that person. Across ages, genders, and sexual orientations, nearly everyone is looking for a long-term partner they can trust, laugh with, and experience strong chemistry with."

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