By Priyanka Chandani. The dating scene in India has been like changing seasons! The last generation drooled over "love at first sight" that happened across a mustard field or a crowded train. A year back, it was more like "love at first swipe" followed by casual coffee dates and now to something refreshingly intentional. Thanks to dating apps, open-mindedness, and a generation eager to ditch societal scripts, the idea of dating isn't just about "finding someone" anymore — it's about finding the right someone.
Millennials and Gen Z aren't here for the surface-level attraction. They are looking for compatibility, shared values, and emotional connection as if it were a Netflix recommendation. Intentional dating has become their mantra—swapping fleeting flings for deeper conversations, situationships for stability, and ghosting for growth.
But it's not boring! The dating culture in India is still quirky—a mix of tradition and Tinder bios that coexist. Whether it's navigating a marriage-ready family WhatsApp group or debating paneer vs. And all this happens on dating apps. To explain, intentional dating is dating a person who has a similar purpose and goal—meeting the one who aligns with their values, goals, and emotional wavelength.
This cultural shift is dubbed "intentional dating. It has taken the Indian dating scene by storm. Intentional dating has a purpose, clarity and a focus on long-term compatibility. It's also about asking deeper questions about 'what do I want in a partner? Does this person align with my values? Are we building something meaningful? It's not just one trend. I think most people on dating apps have spent enough time in casual dating.
I have done that too. Now, I am looking for a more stable person who is clear and upfront about their intentions. He knows what he wants in life. That's the first quality I am looking for in a partner on dating apps," says Pratibha Padmanabhan, an architect by profession in Chennai.
