First Date, First Test of Equality: Who Should Really Pay? - 12/08/2026

A new report looking at the dating habits and attitudes of Gen Z has put a fresh spotlight on a surprisingly old question — who should pay on a first date? Research suggests younger people are increasingly challenging traditional ideas about relationships and gender roles, with splitting the bill or having the person who arranged the date pay becoming more acceptable.But despite Gen Z’s more progressive attitudes towards equality, traditional expectations around men paying for dates haven't disappeared. That creates an interesting tension between modern ideas of equality and old-fashioned dating etiquette — particularly when money and the rising cost of dating are also factors.So, is splitting the bill the fairest approach, or does paying for a date remain an important gesture of interest and generosity?Dating expert and coach Frances Kelleher joined us on The Agenda this morning to discuss whether Gen Z really is rewriting the rules of dating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.