Gen X Remembers Booty Calls; Now There Are ‘Foodie Calls’

Gen Xers may remember making a few “booty calls” back in the day. Comedian (and 61-year-old Gen Xer) Bill Bellamy of HBO’s Def Comedy Jam coined the phrase in the ‘90s as “a clever way to say you’re trying to get a girl to come by,” he previously told People.com. The phrase evolved to apply to anyone sending a hook-up text or call, regardless of gender.  Today, we have another term to satisfy a very different urge: “Foodie calls.” And, just as the phrase “booty call” became part of mainstream vocabulary, the dating tactic has caught on across multiple adult generations.

What exactly is a foodie call? Accepting a date only, or primarily, for free food or drinks.

Read: Dating at 50+: Study details what older Americans say about online dating

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The Numbers

You think we’re kidding? Nearly one-third (30%) of all adults said they’ve gone on a date for the free meal and beverages, according to a recent DatingAdvice.com survey.

This includes:

• 32% of Gen Z (ages 18 to 27) and Zillennials (ages 28 to 33)
• 29% of Millennials (ages 34 to 43)
• 25% of Gen X (ages 44 to 64)
• 26% of Boomers (ages 65+)

Across generations, 25% of all survey respondents have accepted a date for the free food.

While rising costs may have something to do with it, AASECT Certified Sexologist and former wealth manager Natassia Miller said, “I think there’s a human layer of wanting human connection, as well.”

It’s typically more fun to eat with other people than to eat alone, especially at a restaurant or bar.

“I think the economy doesn’t help,” she continued. “But unless you’re starving and you’re going to accept food from anywhere – which I don’t think was the case in this study – it really is about wanting to connect with others and wanting to share a meal with someone else.”

Miller noted another reason people may accept a first date, especially if there’s the enticement of a free meal.

“If it’s your first date and they’re offering a free meal, you’re probably also just going to go for the plot, as well. There’s a world of opportunities out there, so you’re curious to see where it might go,” she said.

How Far Will They Go?

Just because people are willing to take a chance on a date for a free meal or some dinner companionship doesn’t mean they’ll stand for bad behavior during the date. Forty-four percent of Gen X and 46% of Boomers said they walked out on a date over bad behavior, which could include rudeness to the person, a server, or other people they encountered during the date. An appearance mismatch from their dating profile, sometimes called “catfishing,” is also a dealbreaker, according to the survey. More than one-quarter (26%) of older adults ended a date early because the person looked different than expected, while 10% finished the date but then blocked or deleted the connection afterward.

Fast Food Is Perfectly Fine for a Date

Previously, bringing a date to McDonald’s or another fast-food joint might have been enough for someone to call it off. But that’s no longer the case. In a separate survey by DatingAdvice.com sister publication, DatingNews.com, 70% of singles surveyed across generations said they’d be open to a fast-food restaurant for a first date.

The top choices across genders were:

• Chick-fil-A
• Raising Cane’s
• In-N-Out Burger
• Culver’s 
• Pizza Hut

Choices between men and women generally aligned, except men chose McDonald’s instead of Midwest regional favorite Culver’s in fourth place.

“A date can cost anywhere from $168 to nearly $200,” Miller said, quoting data from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index. “That is a budget squeeze. So, people are going to be more critical of who they decide to invest this money in. When you’re considering the very early days of dating, a fast-food restaurant can be a reasonable choice if you’re tight on cash.”

Coffee Dates Are Still Hot

In spite of a growing preference for “foodie calls,” many singles prefer other types of first dates to get to know someone. The DatingNews.com survey revealed that 52% of singles “prioritize vibes over cost,” preferring a low-pressure, fun atmosphere over a pricey formal restaurant.  

“Coffee dates still predominate the general preference for first dates in terms of fun and low-pressure options,” Miller said.

So next time you consider asking someone on a date, don’t be afraid to choose an activity that fits your interests and your budget. If your taste buds get a say in the matter, that’s a bonus.