Booked and Busy: Unlock the Pros and Cons of Stack Dating

Gen Z continues to pave and allocate new ways to date as the world advances. Plus, new mindsets on dating come about. One of those new ways is called stack dating, a trend you may want to try at least once. Well, if you have the social battery to keep up with it.

Keep learning about this rather fresh dating trend that challenges the traditional ways through this guide.

What Is Stack Dating?

Stack dating is a trend wherein someone allots as many dates as possible in a day. It also falls under the category of casual dating, except you invite more than one date a day or night. A mix of online dating falls into this category too. Apps like Tinder and Bumble can help you find possible dates for your stack dating spree.

Another term for this is errand dating, but most people won’t use it because they don’t want their date to think they’re just an errand to fulfill. Even if such a term doesn’t sound too romantic or sweet, it’s also exactly how it works. 

Stack dating also highlights how people insert dates within their day-to-day routine. Any time that seems suitable for a date, they squeeze one in. It’s as if it’s another activity they embark on rather than making such a date a major event of the day in contrast to traditional dating.

This dating trend has grown common, especially with Gen Z. Based on Tinder’s Future of Dating Report 2023, relationship expert Paul Brunson gathered that “51% of Gen Z agreed that they’re open to new ways of fitting dating around their daily schedules.” 

Because of this, Gen Z people view dating as a low-pressure activity in their lives. Even something normal, which can slowly reduce any nerves that come up around the prospect of dates. Especially if you have yet to date or still starting out.

Pros of Stack Dating

So what makes stack dating exciting? Keep reading this section to learn more about its perks.

1 You showcase your authentic self.

With traditional dating, you pamper yourself for a long time as the date is a major event. Whereas with stack dating, your date sees the more real version of you embarking on your daily routine. Or basically, the version you they’ll see all the time, which removes any pre-date anxieties beforehand. 

Such a date also feels like a regular part of your day, allowing you to be yourself without changing a part of yourself or the extra pampering (although we don’t mind a bit of the latter if it makes you feel more confident). Besides, the same study on Tinder highlights that Gen Z people prioritize authenticity when looking for a prospective partner.

2 The stakes and expectations are low.

Stack dating falls under casual dating. If there’s not as much of a connection as you expected, you’re more likely not to feel disappointed. This date is probably one out of many more that you must attend that day, wherein you spend equal time and effort on each one. Plus if one doesn’t work out, you still have options!

3 It keeps your boundaries in check.

Stack dating puts you under time constraints as you must ensure you get to your dates on time, teaching you to find that balance. Alongside this, it teaches you what the ideal times for dates are so you don’t compromise working on your other tasks for the day. 

Stack dating also makes you learn that if a certain date doesn’t work out, you can always leave and find something else to do that’s worth your time. All while still respecting and thanking your date for their time.

4 You learn more things about your ideal type.

Dating is all about knowing what you want and don’t want. With stack dating, you get a glimpse of every possible trait that can entice or irk you in one day. That’ll make it easier to filter out whom you want to see again and not.

Cons of Stack Dating

What are some downsides to stack dating? Browse through this section to uncover just that.

1 It can be draining.

Interacting with many people through stack dating can be physically and socially exhausting. It may be difficult to keep up the same energy with your remaining dates, which can be unfair to them if they pick up on your vibes.

2 This is not for the romantics.

Romantics want to gradually build a connection when they find someone who interests them. Rather than rushing, they take their time and see how far they can go with someone. Then eventually, they commit to an exclusive and possibly long-term relationship. If you’re a romantic, stack dating goes against everything we’ve mentioned as it’s rushed and involves many people you go on casual dates with.

3 It may be difficult to decide the right person.

Stack dating is squeezing in as many dates as you can accommodate within the day ahead of you. That way, you can still prioritize your love life. However, if you’re an indecisive person, stack dating too many people gives you the struggle to choose the right person for you.

4 Time constraints can ruin the vibe.

As you get to know someone, it’s possible they may interest you more than you can expect. You’d even find yourself wanting to spend more time. But if you’re cut for time since you planned your dates close together, it’ll feel like a cliffhanger and may take away the joy for the next one. And it’s already rude to cancel the next date at the last minute.

Yet ending a good date so soon may give the impression that they didn’t matter.

So you’re in a tough cookie in this kind of situation.

How to Make Stack Dating Work for You

If stack dating is a dating style that piques your interest, here are a few key tips to follow before embarking on such an adventurous journey.

1 Know your limits.

With a busy trend like stack dating, you must know your limits. How many prospect dates can I have in a day? How much will I spend per date? How far should the location of one date be from the next one? How long will each date you go on last? Do you like going on more chill dates or extravagant ones? These are some questions worth considering so you don’t exceed your boundaries.

However, if you’re a newbie at stack dating, starting with a small roster of dates is ideal. Don’t go big yet unless you want to get overwhelmed quickly. Start with two dates first, and then you can schedule them later in the day to catch up with your tasks and properly prepare again.

2 Plan and schedule those dates properly.

Don’t just book all those dates all at once. Sort out your personal schedule for the day, then check out the free slots you might have. Then use those free times as possible dates. 

Aside from this, try to plan each date during mealtimes. One during lunch, the second over happy hour or coffee, then the possible last one over dinner. Ensure to have breaks in between to catch your breath.

3 Put the right amount of effort per date.

Don’t treat this date like an interview or a daterview! You don’t want them to have the wrong impression of you. As if they’re an errand that needs to be fulfilled. Create a genuine connection within the time you have together. Interact with them wholeheartedly about their interests and goals in life.

4 Maximize the grace period you have in between dates.

As mentioned earlier, stack dating can be draining. Hence, we emphasized the importance of putting breaks between each one earlier. So as you head to your next date, whether you’re driving or walking, use your grace period to re-energize and reconnect with yourself.

Takeaway

Stack dating is a fresh dating style that gives someone (especially within Gen Z) more freedom and ease as they navigate their love life. It’s a great blend of casual and online dating that lessens any nerves beforehand. This would then allow one to be authentically themselves as their dates fit within their schedule. What’s important is to know your limits and boundaries so you don’t exhaust yourself and leave your date hanging once your time together is cut short.