Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’re in the early stages of dating, it can feel like walking through a minefield of cheesy hearts, sappy cards, and expectations that never quite deliver. Should you send a text? Buy flowers? Or just pretend February 14 doesn’t exist and hope Cupid skips your inbox entirely?
According to Logan Ury, Hinge’s Lead Relationship Scientist, Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be terrifying. “The holiday often amplifies uncertainty in early dating,” she explains, “but it doesn’t mean you should avoid it. How you approach the day is what really matters.”
So, whether you’re texting a first date or figuring out if your fledgling romance was worth the swipe, Logan is here to bust three of the most common Valentine’s Day dating myths – and drop some advice on a tool that’s quietly saving early daters everywhere: voice notes.
Myth #1: It’s too early to celebrate Valentine’s Day
The calendar might shout “celebrate,” but your relationship should set the pace. “Don’t let the date dictate the relationship,” Logan says. “Ask yourself: Have you been seeing each other consistently? Is there clear mutual interest? Do you like where things are heading?”
If the answer is yes, there’s no reason you can’t acknowledge the day in a sweet, simple way. And if the answer is no? Take a step back, breathe, and remember that rushing romance rarely ends well.
Myth #2: First dates on Valentine’s Day are a bad idea
Cue the nerves: you’ve got a date scheduled for February 14, and suddenly your casual coffee meet-up feels like a high-stakes rom-com. Logan reassures daters that it all depends on the vibe. “For some people, the energy is fun and flirty,” she says. “For others, it adds unnecessary pressure. If you’re unsure, suggest meeting earlier in the week instead. Keep expectations realistic.”
Basically, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. If you’re both into it, Valentine’s Day can be a little extra fun. If not, no harm in sliding the date to a less “holiday-charged” day—because nobody needs chocolate-induced anxiety.
Myth #3: We should end things if we don’t agree on how to celebrate
Here’s a relief: different ideas about Valentine’s Day don’t mean your budding romance is doomed. “Misalignment around the holiday isn’t a sign you should break up,” Logan says. “Instead, think of it as a chance to check in and get to know each other more. You might still be on the same page about your relationship, even if you’re not on the same page about the holiday.”
Translation: it’s not a dealbreaker. It’s a conversation starter. If anything, it’s an opportunity to discover how your partner thinks about celebrations, romance, and maybe even chocolate.
The Unsung Valentine’s Day Hero
If texting feels too basic – or too nerve-wracking – Hinge voice notes are here to help. Hinge research shows that a third of Gen Z say voice notes help them feel more connected to the person they’re dating. Simple, personal, and low-pressure, a warm “Hey, happy Valentine’s Day!” or a cheeky “Can’t wait to see you” can make a bigger impression than a perfectly worded text.
Logan’s advice is to “Keep it simple and sincere. You don’t need a script. Being warm and clear matters more than saying the ‘perfect’ thing.” So go ahead, record that voice note, and let your charm do the talking.
At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is what you make it. It’s a chance to connect, share a laugh, or even just test the waters of early dating. With a little guidance from Hinge’s relationship science and the magic of voice notes, you can skip the pressure and focus on what really matters: enjoying the person in front of you.
