Gen Z’s New Dating Trend “Sledging” Sparks Concern Among LGBTQ+ Young People

As the winter months approach, a new dating term is capturing headlines and conversations among young singles: **“sledging.”** Far from the playful image of couples riding sleds through snowy parks, sledging refers to a more troubling behavior—intentionally keeping a partner around for comfort and companionship during the festive season, with the plan to break up once the holidays are over.

The trend, according to dating app Happn and its resident expert Claire Rénier, is a growing concern among Gen Z users. “Gen Z should look out for signs they’re being ‘sledged.’ This can be toxic and a red flag,” Rénier told multiple outlets. “It plays with people’s emotions and fosters short-term satisfaction.”

Research conducted by Happn surveyed over 600 daters aged 18 to 25, revealing that **15% of Gen Z respondents had knowingly extended a relationship through the holidays with the intention of ending it afterwards**. The motivations ranged from wanting a companion to cuddle with (50%), seeking sexual intimacy (60%), and a desire to avoid loneliness (40%). Additionally, the pressure to “bring someone” to family gatherings and avoid intrusive questions about being single was cited as a significant factor.

Alarmingly, a quarter of those who practiced sledging decided to break up as early as August but delayed the actual split until after the winter holidays. Three-quarters planned their exit by November, yet remained in the relationship through Christmas and New Year’s, only to end things abruptly in January.

The trend has significant implications for LGBTQ+ youth, who are more likely to experience isolation and pressure during the holiday season. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, the holidays can mean returning home to families that might not fully accept their identities, or navigating social situations where questions about their relationships are loaded with additional scrutiny. Sledging compounds these challenges by introducing the risk of betrayal and emotional manipulation at a time when genuine support is most needed.

Advocates point out that dating trends like sledging often intersect with broader issues faced by marginalized communities. The desire to avoid being single during the holidays can be particularly acute for people who have been rejected or isolated from biological families, making the search for romantic connection all the more urgent. When those connections are revealed to be disingenuous, the impact can be deeply damaging.

Claire Rénier advises young people to seek out relationships grounded in shared interests and authentic connection rather than seasonal convenience. “Young people should find more authentic connections with people with shared locations and hobbies. This way they can find partners that are genuinely interested in them, and sustain a relationship to last beyond just the winter,” Rénier told NDTV.

Community organizations and dating platforms are beginning to respond to the trend with educational campaigns and resources. Some dating apps have issued warnings and tips on how to spot signs of sledging, such as a partner who seems emotionally distant, avoids plans for the future, or only shows interest during the holiday season.

Mental health professionals advise those who suspect they are being sledged to prioritize their own well-being and seek out support from friends, chosen family, or LGBTQ+ organizations. “People shouldn’t be treated this way in what should be a loving and trusting relationship,” Rénier emphasized. “It plays with people’s emotions and fosters short-term satisfaction.”

Experts caution that sledging may have ripple effects throughout the online dating industry. With a spike in short-term matches during the holidays, followed by a downturn in user engagement as betrayed partners leave platforms, dating apps are facing fresh pressure to promote transparency and emotional safety.

For LGBTQ+ users, who already navigate unique challenges in finding safe and affirming spaces online, trends like sledging reinforce the importance of community-driven platforms and support networks. The emphasis, advocates say, should be on building relationships that honor both parties’ identities and emotional needs, rather than exploiting seasonal loneliness.

As sledging gains traction in mainstream media and dating discourse, LGBTQ+ organizations are urging singles to approach the holiday season with self-awareness and self-care. Whether through virtual support groups, dating workshops, or educational resources, the message is clear: authentic connection is worth waiting for, and everyone deserves relationships rooted in respect and honesty.

As Claire Rénier and other experts affirm, the best relationships are those that last beyond the winter—and that recognize the full worth of every individual, regardless of season or status.