Ever heard of vibe dating? It’s all over the place right now, especially among Gen Z: as outlined in a recent article by VICE, rather than picking someone based on shared goals or values, the idea is to ask: Do we just click? VICE

So… what is vibe dating?

• It’s basically a low-pressure approach to getting back out there: you meet someone, you see if the energy is right, and you don’t necessarily have an agenda beyond seeing how you feel. 

• The article points out that our “chemistry picker” evolved long before the swipe apps did. 

• But—and here’s the kicker—the trend also carries risks, because spark ? safety, and good vibes don’t always mean long-term compatibility (but hey, in our opinion, things don’t have to be forever to be great!). 

Why it can be brilliant

• Fun first: If you’ve been out of the dating game a bit, chasing “vibes” can be a gentler way in vs the full-on “where do you see yourself in five years?” question.

• You get to pay attention to energy, not just bullet-points on a profile. Sometimes you feel something unspoken—and that’s meaningful.

• It reminds you that connection isn’t always rational. You can meet someone and feel lighter, more alive, more “you” again.

• In a world of heavy goal-setting and outcome-thinking, going with the moment can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Why you still need to bring your brain

• The VICE article warns: if you lean only on “we have good vibes”, you may miss red flags—because sometimes the magnetism covers messy stuff. VICE

• A relationship built on “OMG we vibe” may not hold up if there’s no shared values, communication, or respect under the hood. VICE

• Basically: chemistry + compatibility = better chance of long-term success. The article quotes experts on that. VICE

How to vibe-date the OBC way

Since you’re reading this on OBC, you know we like spicy + casual + fun. Here’s how to mix those elements with smart intention:

1. Start with yes — Say yes to that coffee, that walk, that taco stop: minimal planning, max spontaneity.

2. Check the vibe — Are you comfortable? Laughing? Curious? Do you feel like you could keep talking past dessert? If yes, that’s a green-light.

3. Scan the basics — You don’t need to write the five-year plan, but do a quick gut check: kindness, respect, presence.

4. Don’t label too fast — “We’re vibing” is enough for now. No need to define it as “dating” or “serious relationship” unless it naturally evolves.

5. Reflect afterward — Was it energizing? Draining? Did you walk away feeling more yourself? Use that as your signal.

6. Stay open to the next step — If the vibe is great and something else feels right, let it grow. If the vibe is great and you say “meh” to the rest, you still had fun and learned something.

TL;DR

Vibe dating can be the perfect way to dip your toes back into the pool — especially if you’ve been through a rough chapter and just need to feel alive again. Just don’t rely only on “it feels right” as your compass. Combine heart + head. Spark + substance. You deserve both.

Ready to put your vibe out into the world? Join the community at OBC, where like-minded, fun-loving singles are ready to match up, meet up, and vibe up. Come find your spark.