Music has always been a great medium for people to bond with each other, but it does more when it comes to romantic relationships, and it is no longer just background noise because it’s the heartbeat of Gen Z’s romantic expression, according to a new report that highlights how music is shaping modern dating among Gen-Z.
From ‘Eyecontactships’ and ‘Nanoships’ to deep connections, music is playing a starring role in how young people date today. It’s not just about shared taste, it’s about shared emotional language. According to the report by Tinder, music ranks among the top five interests for Indian Gen Z users, with 54 per cent saying a shared taste makes someone more attractive and 35 per cent using it to understand personality and compatibility.
“As a relationship expert, I see music as more than a mood—it’s a mirror to emotional wiring,” says Dr Chandni Tugnait, the app’s relationship expert in India. “What someone listens to on repeat often reflects how they experience love, trust, or vulnerability. It’s not about judging taste—it’s about noticing what resonates,” she adds.
Music is the emotional mood board of Gen Z
Music is turning out to be a way that offers a window into someone’s inner world. People who vibe with high-energy anthems often seek bold, fast-paced sparks in love, while soft ballads might point to a desire for emotional safety and introspection. Even genre preferences reveal subtle cues—electronic lovers crave spontaneity, while singer-songwriter fans tend to lean into emotional depth.
“In today’s world, your playlist is a self-authored mood board,” Dr Chandni explains. “It shows not only how you feel, but how you want to be seen. When your playlist feels understood, you feel understood. It creates instant rapport – an unspoken rhythm that says, ‘You feel the world a bit like I do’, that resonance can fast-track intimacy.”
Why music connects deeper than text
Music hits where words hesitate. “A lyric can say what you’re afraid to admit, a beat can echo what your heart can’t translate,” the expert further adds. In a world of filters, curated captions, and digital posturing, music feels raw and real.
Gen Z, fluent in nuance and authenticity, is using music as emotional shorthand. Whether it’s sharing a track, syncing an anthem, or bonding over a new drop—music lets them say everything without saying a word.
Interestingly, ‘What Your Tunes Say About You’, a report released with Tinder’s Year in Swipe 2024 uncovered the most popular songs on profiles across India, and they are quite interesting.
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
The song says Bold and unapologetic. You bring loyalty, ambition, and no-nonsense energy to dating.
“Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
This is deep and heartfelt. You’re in it for emotional connection—not just casual vibes.
“CARNIVAL” by ¥$, Kanye West & others
The song simply says wild and free. You thrive on spontaneity and emotional intensity.
“Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow
This is all about being flirty and fun. You bring cheeky charm and effortless banter.
“Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
Like Carpenter, this gives main character energy. You lead with flair, emotion, and confidence.
These tracks aren’t just earworms—they’re emotional blueprints for how people approach dating.
Music is equal to connection
With unique elements for people to connect with each other, the dating app’s report further highlights that when it comes to real-life dates, the trend continues: 36 per cent of young singles in India say they’d pick a concert or karaoke night for a first date because there’s nothing like a shared beat (or a mic drop moment) to test chemistry.
Music isn’t a deal breaker – but It’s definitely a vibe check
Similar taste isn’t essential, but mutual respect for musical expression is. “It’s not about liking the same artist,” says Dr. Chandni, adding, “it’s about being emotionally fluent in each other’s rhythms.” That understanding builds intimacy and trust.
“It’s not about what someone listens to, but why,” she adds, continuing, “Do they use music to process or to numb? To connect or to escape? Compatibility isn’t about having the same favourite artist—it’s about being emotionally in sync with each other’s rhythms. A punk-rock fan and a soul-jazz lover can totally vibe, as long as they respect what music means to one another.”
If someone mocks the emotional world your music holds? That might just be the real red flag.