Members of Generation Z are constantly trying new ways to find romance, and one new trend involves avoiding the pressure to find “the one.”
Whether it’s through swiping on dating apps or meeting someone new at the bar, building a romantic connection isn’t easy, which is why the viral “wildflower” dating trend has taken off.
The idea encourages people to let connections grow naturally, no matter how it may end. It suggests that people should put aside the traditional relationship timelines and expectations, at least in the beginning.
The trend is a reaction to dating apps, Susan Trombetti, a professional matchmaker and CEO of Exclusive Matchmaking, told The Independent.
“As singles navigate modern dating, Gen Z and millennials feel there are so many self-imposed pressures that they just want to go back to, ‘Let's see where this goes,’” said the relationship expert.
However, having the go-with-the-flow mentality could result in more confusion and disappointment throughout the relationship than expected. Here’s what the dating trend is and why it could and couldn’t be worth investing time in.
What is the ‘wildflowering’ dating trend?
Bumble appeared to coin the term last year, after research from the dating app found that nearly two in three singles in the U.K. felt more flirty in the springtime. More than half of the respondents also said their confidence levels increase during that season, encouraging them to prioritize fun over fear when meeting with new people.
“The longer days and warmer weather lift our energy levels, making us feel more open, playful and ready to make a move,” Bumble’s sexologist, Chantelle Otten, told Stylist in 2025. “‘Wildflowering’ captures that perfectly — it’s about dating freely and on your own terms, embracing spontaneity and seeing where new connections might lead. It’s more than just a fun phrase — it reflects a real psychological reset that happens as we step into this brighter, lighter season.”
According to Trombetti, the trend urges young people to avoid thinking about labels right away and just enjoy their time with the person they’re with.
“Stay open, be curious about them, and see how it feels as opposed to looking for another person on the app. Don't rush to define the relationship too soon, and allow chemistry and attraction to develop,” she said.
What are the benefits of “wildflowering”?
Everyone has their own wants and needs when dating, and in some ways, “wildflowering” can help meet those. Karen Stewart, PsyD, a clinical psychologist specializing in sex and relationship therapy, told The Independent that certain personality types could benefit from this mindset, as long as they’re upfront about it.
“For instance, insecure or avoidant attachment styles in dating can thrive in this environment. They can take relationships very slowly, without commitments, to see what they truly want,” she said.
April Davis, relationship expert and founder of Luma Luxury Matchmaking, also said that “wildflowering” can help singles maintain an open mind in the dating scene, especially if that’s something they’ve struggled with.
“Tons of singles go into first dates already trying to figure out if the person is ‘life partner material’ or checks all of their boxes. It makes dating feel more like an interview than a chance for real connection,” she explained to The Independent. “Connection builds over time, and you can miss that if you’re too quick to rule someone out.”
What are the downsides of “wildflowering?
“Wildflowering” isn’t necessarily the recommended dating approach for everyone, and it doesn’t come without risks. Trombetti said the trend can make singles feel confused about where they stand with the person they’re dating.
“These relationships can have mismatched ideas on where it's going, leading to a lack of commitment for some and a bad experience. Usually, when you hear someone say ‘Let's see where it goes,’ it's someone who doesn't want to commit. You have to take the good with the bad,” she said.
Stewart added about the trend: “This can lead to disappointment, hurt feelings, or even people wasting their time getting to know someone when their true intentions were not met or expressed.”
