Dating more than one person at a time is common now, especially with younger generations. You see it everywhere. Polls from 2025 say over half of adults under 30 are open to relationships with more than one person. Even dating apps like Tinder and Hinge have settings for it. That doesn’t mean all parts of it are smooth. Plenty of people get tripped up by the details. Here’s a close look at how people handle it best, the problems you might face, and what science and real user habits tell us.
More People Are Doing It, And They’re Open About It
Dating several people is not fringe anymore. Surveys from YouGov and Pew show huge jumps in acceptance among younger folks compared to older groups. More than 40% of Millennials in the US say they’d try some version of dating more than one person. LGBTQ+ groups report even higher numbers, with over half saying it’s part of their dating circle. It trickles down to how dating sites and apps set up their match filters now. Hinge added clearer ways to show your relationship preferences, and Feeld’s numbers shot up as more people try linking profiles with more than one partner at once.
This isn’t something you’ll see as much in older groups. Most Baby Boomers stick to one person at a time. Kids in their twenties and thirties, though, are open to ideas their parents wouldn’t listen to. No single style works for everyone, but the option is out on the table for more people.
A closer look at the numbers shows Hinge users under 35 are three times more likely to say they want something non-exclusive than users over 45. In LGBTQ+ circles, most people say at least one person they know is dating this way. These patterns turn up on mainstream apps and more niche ones like Feeld, too.
Keeping It Safe, Why Health Really Does Matter
Sex isn’t casual for your body, even when it feels like it is. Health boards keep saying this, and not all daters pay attention. The Centers for Disease Control recommend that anyone seeing more than one partner at a time gets tested for sexually transmitted infections three or four times a year. Even though people who date more often get tested more, their risk for illnesses like chlamydia is still higher. Shared information is key. About two-thirds of people who date more than one person actively keep track of everyone’s test dates and use of protection.
Some groups make this a habit, people organize health data on online calendars and have regular talks about safety. Those habits may look mundane, but the CDC considers them best practice. When someone skips a checkup, it doesn’t just affect them. It can spread to everyone else. This is why talking directly about health is a non-negotiable do.
Dating Apps Are Changing How People Juggle Everything
Technology changed how people date. Now it also shapes how people handle dating several people at a time. Tinder and similar apps let people label their relationships in clearer ways. Some, like Feeld, even help you link or display several connections on your page. Most new features appeared in response to user requests. The platforms now make it easier to sort out what someone wants up-front. With more honesty in the description, people avoid confused messages and mismatched expectations.
With these tools, it also becomes easy to bump into new problems. RAINN’s audit report warns that people with several public profiles are more likely to face scams or have issues with account safety. Many now keep personal and dating lives separate online. Strong passwords and profile settings make a difference. A smart do here is to treat privacy seriously, regardless of how casual the chat feels.
Finding Your Own Lane: Picking What Suits You
People have their own reasons for trying different relationship setups. Some stick with one person, while others date more than one. For some, it’s about figuring out what feels right. You might see someone who splits time between movie nights with a boyfriend and dinner with a friend who’s more than a friend. Another person could be dating a sugar daddy while they look for a long-term relationship. All of these choices are personal.
No one setup works for everyone. Some prefer a steady pattern, and others like to keep things open. Some might enjoy scheduled check-ins with partners, while another likes to let things happen. What matters most is that each person is honest about what they want and that everyone is on the same page. This helps avoid confusion and makes things smoother for everyone.
Emotions, Organization, and Honesty
Managing time and feelings is an ongoing task. Studies find people juggling several relationships have to work harder at sorting out calendars and coping with jealousy than those with only one partner. About one out of five say managing time is their biggest headache. Some people use apps and color-coded planners. Others talk through feelings of jealousy out loud. It’s not automatic. Those who stick with it long-term seem to do regular check-ins, often a scheduled talk once a week or so. Science says the more upfront people are, the less anxiety they feel.
Jealousy can still pop up, and the usual trick is not to ignore it. Many handle it fast before it grows. If you’re late to a date or forget a planned afternoon, it’s smart to admit mistake and keep things simple. Structured chats, even if short, help. There’s no rule on how to organize it. The trick is doing something rather than muddling through in silence.
Papers, Law, and Money: Stuff No One Likes to Talk About
There are legal headaches, too. According to lawyers, most US states recognize only two parents when it comes to kids and custody. That leaves groups with more than two adults in
murky territory if there are children or shared assets. Some people handle this by putting clear plans in wills. More companies are starting to cover extra partners on health plans, but it isn’t common yet. For now, those trying multi-person setups usually have to create their own rules. This isn’t the fun part, but it can prevent real problems.
Some people still bump into stigma with doctors. A 2025 study found many are quick to blame medical complaints on relationship problems. Some clinics changed their approach, and these places see better follow-up rates.
What Works in Real Life: Rules Are Useful, Flexibility Matter Too
People successful at multi-dating often have a few things in common. They make sure all partners are in the loop about important info. They have plans for what to do if feelings boil over. They keep some free time in their week for things that pop up, so no one is left out.
Therapists now get special training in this area since so many clients want advice that fits their setup.
Science and survey reports say open chats, clear personal habits, and respect for boundaries keep everything smooth. Still, none of these habits happen by accident. People have to work at them day to day. There’s no magic fix. But keeping things simple, being honest, and sticking to plans works for most people who try it. Sources:.