The way people approach relationships is undergoing a dramatic change. The conventional idea of two people falling in love and settling down in marriage is becoming less common, especially among Gen Z. Instead, today’s young adults are reshaping romantic norms, introducing alternative relationship styles, and prioritising autonomy and emotional clarity over tradition.

An unconventional trend taking hold in China illustrates how deeply these shifts are resonating—many young adults are now choosing to marry their closest friends rather than romantic partners, forming what’s being called a ‘friendship marriage’. These arrangements are formed not out of romantic love, but from a shared desire to support one another while bypassing social pressure, especially from families that expect marriage by a certain age.

In these non-traditional unions, close friends register as legal spouses, sometimes living together, sometimes not, and often maintaining separate bedrooms. There is no pressure to have children, and the freedom to date other people is commonly accepted. Some couples even draw up detailed contracts before tying the knot—covering expenses, property rights, and even exit clauses if one partner decides to pursue a conventional romantic relationship in the future.

A woman from Chongqing, entered a friendship marriage four years ago with her best friend. “My husband and I are roommates who live together but are also family,” she said, summing up the core of their bond.

Similarly, Chloe and her partner created a prenuptial agreement that outlines financial contributions, property ownership, and even a “divorce trigger” clause—allowing either to walk away if they find love elsewhere. These carefully crafted arrangements reflect a deep desire among young people to preserve independence while still benefiting from companionship and emotional support.

But this mindset shift isn’t unique to China. Globally, Gen Z is bringing in a wave of new dating and relationship terms that reflect the nuances of modern love.

Throning is one such trend, where someone showcases their partner to elevate their social image, treating the relationship more like a status symbol than an emotional bond.

Benching describes a situation where someone keeps a romantic interest close—flirting and spending time with them—without ever committing. The individual remains emotionally involved but without clarity or commitment, left waiting while the other avoids defining the relationship.

Cushioning involves entertaining a backup partner while already in a relationship, keeping them engaged just in case the main relationship ends. It’s emotional insurance, though often at the cost of transparency.

Soft launching A growing number of people are now subtly revealing their romantic lives online through what's known as a soft launch. It involves posting subtle hints about a partner—like a hand, a shared meal, or a shadow—without revealing their identity. It's a modern way to share personal news while maintaining boundaries.

These evolving trends reveal a deeper transformation, young people are creating relationship models that match their personal values, emotional needs, and the realities of contemporary life.