We have the inside scoop on some of the biggest dating trends in cities across the U.S. From what daters are eating to where they like to go and what they’re doing, we got some help analyzing the trends from top-notch relationship experts. First up: Seattle.
What Seattle daters
are doing
Seattle dater says: "Seattle is a great place to date and just have fun in general. I think there’s a laid-back attitude most people seem to have that makes meeting people a little bit easier here. There doesn’t seem to be as much pressure as there is in a place like New York or L.A. "Valerie, 26
Dating trends revealed
The experience-driven dating site HowAboutWe analyzed more than 1,000,000 dates posted on their site to get a coast-to-coast look at how America's singles date offline. We’re sharing the findings for some of our favorite cities, starting with Seattle.
Most popular date food
- Frozen yogurt
- Tacos
- Tapas
- Ice cream
- Seafood
Dating in Seattle: The scoop
Seattle is known for having beautiful women as well as handsome, intelligent men, notes relationship expert and love architect Kailen Rosenberg. “These women are down-to-earth and athletic and the men seem to value physical fitness just as much.” She says Seattle is a great place to take falling in love and having a family seriously if you are in your late 20s or early 30s, but warns that when in your late 30s or early 40s, it can be hard to find men within that same age group who are available.
Most popular date spots
- Pike Place Market
- Pacific Science Center
- Discovery Park
- The Original Starbucks
- Green Lake Park
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Expert tip
Expert tipMarket versus park versus coffee shop — what does the setting have to do with it? A lot more than you might think, says Marni Battista, dating expert and founder and CEO of Dating with Dignity. “Setting tells more than the 'where' of the date. In fact, a man who can set the date in a creative setting sends a message to the woman that he is creative, thoughtful and cares enough about her to make a plan beyond movie or dinner,” she explains.
Top date activities
- Rock climbing
- Trivia
- Bowling
- Dancing
- Painting/drawing
Rock climbing on a date?
Hiking, biking, rock climbing — whatever the sweat-inducing sport may be, it serves as a highly bonding experience, explains Rosenberg. Another bonus is the added endorphins, which are released with physical activity. “When we stimulate our brain chemistry to release these endorphins, bonding chemicals are produced. This is why people who exercise more generally have a higher sex drive,” she says.
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