Could Adrenaline Dating Be the Secret to Stronger Romantic Connections?

Less than 1 in 4 Brits find dates fun and exciting

As part of the survey, respondents were asked how they feel towards dates. 24% said they find dates fun, with 23% also saying they feel exciting. However, the findings also highlight a sense of date fatigue. 21% said dates often feel too much like an interview and 11% find it hard to think of ideas for dates. 

Interestingly, sentiment was more positive among the male respondents, who were more likely to find dates fun and exciting. On the other hand, women were more likely to say dates feel boring and repetitive. 

At a generational level, those aged 25-34 generally have the most positive feelings towards dates, with 35% finding dates fun and just 8% finding it hard to think of ideas. Those aged 18-24 were more likely to find dating ideas hard with 1 in 4 struggling with this. 

Awkward conversation is dating’s biggest killer…

The survey also looked at the most common reasons behind an unenjoyable date, with awkward conversation taking the top spot (35%). This was the most popular answer for those aged 18-24 and 45 and above. As for those aged 25-44, the most common bugbear was their date being distracted by their phone (30%). 

As part of this, it was found that just 23% feel they have never been on a bad date, with this dropping significantly for the youngest age group (12%).

Could adrenaline dating be the solution to a more satisfying dating experience?

With Brits feeling increasingly bored by dates – 20% say dating feels like a chore, rising to 25% for women – and complaining of awkward chat, could experience-based dating be the answer and take the pressure off?

Defined as adventurous activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining or go-karting, ‘adrenaline dating’ encourages those with dating app fatigue and those in long term relationships to prioritise spontaneity and connection through memory making. Less “catch up culture” and screentime, more doing and genuine connection. 

1 in 3 said they would like to try adrenaline dating, with a further 10% saying they have already tried this. Those aged 35-44 are the most keen, with 50% keen to give it a go. Those aged 25-34 followed closely with 48% interested in adrenaline dating, with just 20% of this age group saying they enjoy traditional dates. 

Beyond creating a more fun experience, could adrenaline dating actually result in greater connection and a more successful dating journey? 37% said they think so, rising to 54% among 25-44 year olds. 

Working in collaboration with Virgin Experience Days, Dr Jo Gee, clinical psychotherapist, shares her insight on the impact of bringing adrenaline into dating.

“Adrenaline-based activities can be particularly powerful in dating, as novel experiences involving mild risk are associated with the release of dopamine and oxytocin, our neurotransmitters linked to pleasure, motivation and social bonding. Neuroscience also suggests that these experiences are encoded more deeply in memory, with the hippocampus prioritising new and emotionally engaging events. As a result, shared adventurous experiences can contribute to the development of a stronger shared relationship identity, as couples are more likely to remember exciting moments from the dating process.

“Adventure-based dates may also fast-track relationship development by encouraging individuals to step outside their comfort zones. This heightened emotional engagement can promote vulnerability, cooperation, and trust, often allowing partners to form meaningful connections more quickly than through traditional, low-adrenaline dates. Traditional dates can often feel boring, as they tend to become evaluative situations where both people feel the need to impress. This creates cognitive pressure, requiring constant effort to remain engaging and ensure the other person stays interested. Women, in particular, may struggle with the transactional mindset of modern dating. Higher emotional intelligence, paired with people-pleasing tendencies, and the filtering behaviours that often result, mean that women are more likely to experience cognitive and emotional fatigue during the dating process.

“Adrenaline dating, defined as the intentional choice of dating activities that create physiological arousal and stimulate the nervous system, can increase emotional connection and enhance enjoyment, due to the release of a feel-good neurotransmitter, dopamine. Research in social psychology has also shown that physiological arousal felt within the activity may be psychologically attributed to the date, leading to higher attraction ratings when heart rate is elevated.” 

The adrenaline activities racking up the most interest

Those open to adrenaline dating also answered which activity they’d most enjoy doing with a date or partner. 

1. Ziplining (34%)
2. Go-kart racing (31%)
3. Helicopter experience (28%)
4. Hot air balloon (28%)
5. Escape room (23%)
6. Driving experience (21%)
7. Skydiving (20%)
8. Rock climbing (13%)
9. Paintballing (12%)

Keen to give adrenaline dating a try this year? Visit Virgin Experience Days for inspiration: https://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/adrenaline