[Boston, MA], Aug. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gen Z has debunked more than just the sober curious stereotypes of their generation recently. A new survey from Sinless Vodka Cocktails has found that Gen Z may be thirstier than Millennials when it comes to dating, too. But they’re hardly alone in indulging in the guilty pleasures of modern romance. From keeping a roster and doing a little digital detective work to ghosting, cushioning and strategically timed breakups, Sinless Vodka Cocktail’s Modern Dating Sindex pulls back the curtain on the behaviors, temptations and contradictions shaping how Americans date today. The biggest confession? Nearly everyone has something to own up to, with 92% of U.S. adults ages 25-45 saying they’ve experienced at least one hallmark of modern dating.
The Modern Dating Sindex looks at the good, bad, and downright sinful experiences shaping today’s dating culture in a way that only Sinless can: less judgment, more freedom. It’s the same spirit behind Sinless Vodka Cocktails, a line of bold, flavor-forward canned cocktails made with real vodka, and free of sugar and carbs with only 100 calories – all made for guilt-free good times.
“Today's world is full of temptation, contradictions, and guilty pleasures. At Sinless, we believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice a thing to feel good about your choices,” said Kat Hayes, associate director of brand marketing for Sinless. “The Sindex puts real numbers behind the little dating sins people whisper about in group chats. Whether it's what you're sipping or how you're swiping, we think life is more fun when you own the experience, skip the guilt and stop pretending anyone's perfect.”
Ready for the receipts? Behind the swipes, situationships and strategic exits, the Sindex uncovered some revealing confessions:
- Gen Z is taking more dating hits, but they’re also calling more fouls. Compared with Millennials, Gen Z is more likely to report being ghosted (79% vs. 75%), double texting (59% vs. 50%), being love bombed (55% vs. 46%) and being breadcrumbed (45% vs. 39%). But younger daters are also quicker to draw the line, with Gen Z more likely than Millennials to consider always being late (37% vs. 29%) or refusing to open doors (18% vs. 12%) a dealbreaker.
- The roster is real. Nearly two-thirds (65%) have kept a “dating roster” of casual romantic prospects in rotation, including a party companion (42%), hookup (39%) or backup date-night option (34%). Another 43% admit to “cushioning” by casually keeping other romantic prospects warm in case their current relationship fizzles.
- Ghosting isn’t exactly a victimless crime. More than three-quarters (76%) have been ghosted, but 58% admit they’ve done the disappearing themselves. And those who ghost aren’t necessarily one-and-done offenders: the average ghoster says they’ve left 11 people hanging over the course of their dating life.
- Sometimes “unread” is a choice. A whopping 92% have intentionally avoided opening a text they didn’t want to answer, with 39% admitting they do it often or all the time. Just 16% say they typically opt for an honest rejection, while more than half (51%) prefer the “slow fade.”
- The background check starts before the first date. More than three-quarters (76%) are likely to indulge in at least one digital dating “guilty pleasure,” whether that’s monitoring who viewed or liked their content (47%), scrolling years deep into someone’s social media (33%) or investigating an ex (31%).
- Apparently, asking for someone’s “number” has a second meaning. Nearly one-third (32%) have asked a new partner about their “body count,” while one in four (25%) admit they’ve lied about their own number when asked.
- Love on a Deadline. More than two in five (42%) have strategically ended a casual relationship before a major milestone. Valentine’s Day is the most common deadline, with 20% admitting they’ve called it quits beforehand, followed by a partner’s birthday (16%) or their own birthday (16%).
- Even a 10 can commit an unforgivable sin. Nearly nine in 10 (88%) agree that certain behaviors can turn a seemingly perfect partner into a dealbreaker. Being rude to waitstaff tops the list (55%), followed by always being on their phone (50%), disliking pets (36%) and refusing to post the relationship online (26%).
Consider this your official dating confessional booth. The findings paint a landscape where the rules may be blurry, but the behaviors are remarkably universal. At its core, the Modern Dating Sindex is a reminder that the things we’re sometimes reluctant to admit are often far more sinless than we think.
Just as Sinless Vodka Cocktails invites drinkers to take the guilt out of the good times, the Sindex gives those in search of love permission to own the little sins, questionable choices and guilty pleasures that come with modern romance. Because if nearly everyone is doing it, maybe the real sin is pretending we’re not.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The Sinless Vodka Cocktails Modern Dating Sindex Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 2,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 25-45.
ABOUT SINLESS VODKA COCKTAILS
Sinless Vodka Cocktails is a premium line of ready-to-drink cocktails made with real vodka and bold, full flavor. With 100 calories, zero sugar and zero carbs per can, Sinless was created for those who want to take the guilt out of the good times. Lightly sparkling and available in four flavors – Cranberry, Pineapple, Black Cherry and Peach – Sinless brings a spirited, flavor-forward alternative to traditional hard seltzers.
Sinless Vodka Cocktails are available in select markets now. Drinkers can track down all flavors at www.drinksinless.com/find.
For more information, visit www.drinksinless.com or follow @drinksinless on social media.
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