“Throning,” has become the latestdating trend. It involves entering relationships to boost one’s reputation. Defined as using a partner forsocial validation, the behavior focuses specifically onstatus enhancement. While some may embrace these transactional dynamics knowingly, mismatched expectations can lead to misunderstandings and emotional fallout.

HighlightsThroning involves entering relationships for social validation.Throning aims for reputation enhancement, similar to hypergamy.The trend is popular on social media, especially among Gen Z.

“Throning” refers to the concept of effectively putting a partner on a metaphoric “throne” to display them to others, rather than caring about the partner as a real person.

While throning is a term that has been popularized on social media, especially among Gen Zers, the practice has always existed.

Moreover, throning is a form of hypergamy, which is the practice of dating or marrying someone of higher status in an attempt to better one’s situation in some way,Psychology Todayreported in November.

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“Throning” has become the latest dating trend

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“You are dating such-and-such-muckety-muck-big-cheese-hot-tamale so that others will, in turn, assume you are a big enchilada, too,” Bruce Y. Lee, a professor of Health Policy and Management at the City University of New York, wrote forPsychology Today.

“The primary purpose of being with your partner is to bathe in the spout of their clout,” he added.

A couple on a date at a cozy restaurant, illustrating the concept of “throning” in modern dating dynamics.

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While throning is harmless, when the parties involved are aware and are clear with their attentions, problems may arise if there is amiscommunication.

It involves entering relationships to boost one’s reputation

Person swiping on a dating app, illustrating the throning trend, with a flower and tea on a wooden table.

“This can be the case when the person doing the throning pretends to be interested in the other person as a person rather than just as a reputation,” Professor Lee explained.

He added: “And even if the throner is completely transparent, the anointed one could still misperceive deeper interest—sort of like when car buyers begin to believe that a salesperson is offering a discount only because he or she really likes them.”

Woman applying makeup at a vanity, highlighting the “Throning” dating trend concept.

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Defined as using a partner for social validation, the behavior focuses specifically on status enhancement

Couple toasting with wine, capturing a moment related to the dating trend “Throning” at a dimly lit bar.

The professor shared 10 signs that one might be throning you:

Woman on gray sofa using laptop, symbolizing “Throning” dating trend with a 1697 likes notification.

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Three people clinking champagne glasses, capturing the essence of the “Throning” dating trend in a social setting.

Mismatched expectations can lead to misunderstandings and emotional fallout

Woman smiling at phone while shopping, capturing the essence of throning in a casual urban setting.

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People in their twenties often find love within their friend groups, embracing so-called “situationships” and delaying—or even reconsidering—marriage due to economic pressures and evolving societal expectations.

Amid growing anxiety over “overwhelming” choices that previously weren’t offered, a psychology expert revealed the key to healthy relationships for those younger than 30.

Two people using phones at a café table with coffee cups.

“Throning” refers to the concept of effectively putting a partner on a metaphoric “throne”

Two people holding hands in winter coats, illustrating the dating trend “throning.

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“There’s a lot more fluidity in gender identity,”Christina Scott, a professor of Social Psychology at the Department of Psychological Sciences at Whittier College in California, USA, toldBored Panda. “Like it might be, ‘Well, I might be bi[sexual]’ or ‘I might, you know, I might identify queer, and I’m not ready to lock on to one partner.’”

Professor consequently recommended young couples practice communication, openness, and honesty, stating: “[You need to look at] how can you show mutual respect, how can you build trust, how can you be open about what you need and receptive to the needs of your partner with whatever status you have designated between each other.”

The trend sparked different reactions

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Comment discussing dating trends and generational differences.

Comment about Gen Z oblivious to “Throning” trend’s history, humorously noting past generations.

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Comment about “Throning” trend highlighting fake personalities in dating.

Comment criticizing Gen Z slang related to the dating trend “Throning.

Tweet by Nathalie May discussing “throning,” a dating trend for clout, expressing skepticism with an eye-roll emoji.

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Tweet questioning love in the context of the “Throning” dating trend.

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Tweet by Mikkel on “Throning” dating trend with a disgust emoji, timestamped November 2, 2024.

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Tweet discussing “throning,” the controversial dating trend, focusing on short-term validation rather than long-term commitment.

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Tweet discussing “Throning” as a potential income source for influencers.

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Tweet discussing negative aspects of the throning dating trend, highlighting issues in transactional relationships.

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