How America Powers Date Night

How do couples balance romance and practicality when it comes to energy use? Our latest study uncovers trends in lighting, dining, and streaming during romantic evenings. From candlelit dinners to energy-efficient appliances, we explore how Americans set the mood while managing electricity. Keep reading to discover insights from our survey of 1,018 people who were dating or in a relationship, and learn how you can power love sustainably this Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Only 16% of couples consider energy costs when planning romantic evenings.

• 68% of Americans prefer to turn the lights off during romantic evenings, while 32% prefer to keep them on.

• 57% of Americans use candles for romantic mood lighting, with men (58%) being more likely to than women (53%).

• Over 3 in 4 people stream movies or music on date nights, with the most popular streaming services being Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify.

• Americans most often play music by Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Adele on date nights.

• The top 3 movies Americans plan to stream this Valentine’s Day are “The Notebook,” “The Princess Bride,” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

• 46% of Gen Z couples prefer cooking together at home on romantic evenings, compared to 30% of millennials and Gen X (respectively) and 26% of baby boomers.

Romantic Lighting Preferences

• Only 16% of couples consider energy costs when planning romantic evenings.

• Men (17%) are more likely than women (14%) to consider energy costs when planning romantic evenings.

• On romantic evenings, 68% of Americans prefer to turn the lights off, while 32% prefer to keep them on. Gen Z (41%) is likelier than millennials (35%), Gen X (24%), and baby boomers (28%) to prefer the lights on.

• 59% of millennials and 55% of Gen Z dislike having overhead lights on during romantic evenings.

• 57% of Americans use candles for romantic mood lighting, with men (58%) being more likely to than women (53%).

• 83% of couples feel candles are a timeless way to create a romantic vibe, especially Gen Z (89%).

Romantic Streaming Choices

• Over 3 in 4 people stream movies or music on date nights, with the most popular streaming services being Netflix, Prime Video, and Spotify.

• When asked what they prefer for their romantic evenings at home, 1 in 6 couples chose electric fireplaces, 14% opted for hot tubs, 12% preferred at-home spa setups, and 11% selected heated blankets.

• Americans most often play music by Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, and Adele on date nights.

• The top movies to stream this Valentine’s Day are “The Notebook,” “The Princess Bride,” and “When Harry Met Sally.”

Date Night Dining

• 46% of Gen Z couples prefer cooking together at home on romantic evenings, compared to 30% of both millennials and Gen X, and 26% of baby boomers.

• Top cuisines for romantic evenings at home are:

1. Italian: 56%

2. American: 43%

3. Asian: 36%

4. Mexican: 30%

5. Seafood: 28%

• Although 55% of couples prioritize sustainability on romantic evenings by using energy-efficient appliances, 78% use energy-intensive appliances like ovens, air fryers, or stoves at these times.

• Gen X (63%) is the generation most likely to prioritize sustainability by using energy-efficient appliances, while Gen Z (47%) was the least likely.

Methodology

For this campaign, we surveyed 1,018 Americans who were dating or in relationships to explore how couples use lights, music, and appliances to create ambiance. Of the respondents, 55% were women, 44% were men, and 1% identified as nonbinary. The generational breakdown is as follows:

• Gen Z: 10%
• Millennials: 54%
• Gen X: 27%
• Baby boomers: 9%

The survey was conducted in January 2025.

About Payless Power

Committed to providing energy solutions that fit every budget, Payless Power offers prepaid and traditional electricity plans with competitive pricing. Customers can enjoy a consistent power supply without worrying about credit history or unexpected costs.

Fair Use Statement

These findings may be shared for noncommercial purposes as long as you link to the original source.