Out on a date at a restaurant? The person across the table may be there mainly for the free food.
That is according to a recent survey by JG Wentworth, a financial services company based in Pennsylvania. The survey found that 39.9% of respondents admitted they have gone on a date just to get a free meal.
"Just over a quarter (27.5%) say they have never gone on a date just to get a free meal, but they have considered it," the survey stated. Another 32.6% said they haven't even considered the idea.
Nearly 40% of Americans admit they've gone on a date just for a free meal, according to a new survey — and another 27.5% say they've considered it. The average first date now costs $93, and experts warn the trend erodes trust before a relationship even starts. pic.twitter.com/1QsvQKeuP9
— Fox News Lifestyle (@FoxNewsLife) May 28, 2026
These results correspond with a recent Wall Street Journal report. The report stated that 20-somethings are driving the comeback of the traditional dinner date.
The JG Wentworth survey asked 1,538 U.S. adults a range of questions related to the cost of modern romance. Researchers noted that the average American spends $93 on a first date.
Most modern-day daters also think spending expectations around dates are higher now than they were in the past. If money concerns have affected your love life, you are far from alone.
"Almost three in 10 people (29.5%) have turned down a date because they couldn't afford it," the survey found. The researchers added, "while 85.7% have turned down a second date because they felt they didn't align financially with the other person."
Professional development expert Jan Goss told Fox News Digital the trend of dating for a free meal is a reflection of a larger shift in human behavior. "Whether it's a first date, a business meeting or a friendship, relationships are built on trust," Goss said.
"And so the moment we show up with this hidden agenda, we damage the foundation before it ever starts," she added. Goss noted that we live in a culture that often celebrates getting something for nothing.
"There is an economics conversation around it, because times are tough for many and inflation is real," Goss said. "People are struggling. But financial struggle doesn't give us permission to compromise our integrity."
Proper etiquette is that whoever extends an invitation pays. "That's protocol," Goss said. "If someone asks you to dinner, then the understanding is they're going to pay."
To avoid miscommunication, Goss said it is perfectly acceptable to clarify things up front. Daters can ask their meal companions what the expectations are before going out.
If paying for the meal yourself isn't an option, she advised being honest. Just tell the other person that a dinner out is not in your budget this week.
Another rule of thumb for Goss is to always be able to pay for your meal when you go out to eat. Daters should not assume the other person will pick up the check.
"I always have the means to pay for myself," Goss said. She noted that taking care of your own meal is polite, especially if it is a first dat
"First of all, be careful what you order," Goss advised. "But then, secondly, when the bill comes, I would politely say, 'I'm more than happy to split this with you.'"
Setting expectations from the beginning is critical. Goss said that when she invites her group of friends out, she lets everyone know they will be taking care of their own expenses.
"Show up well, be honest and respect the person across the table," Goss concluded. "Or stay home."
"The issue in this whole thing isn't who pays for dinner," she added. "It's whether we're treating people as human beings or opportunities."