The States Where You're Most Likely to Get Ghosted While Dating

New data reveals the states where singles report the highest rates of being ghosted on dating apps.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 9:07pm

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Ghosting has become a common way for early-stage dating conversations to end, with most Americans saying they've either ghosted someone or been ghosted themselves. However, some states stand out more than others when it comes to high rates of ghosting, with Nevada, New York, and Delaware topping the list. The data offers a revealing look at where in the U.S. singles are most likely to be left on read, with factors like fast-paced dating scenes, transient populations, and endless options contributing to the problem.

Why it matters

Ghosting can be a frustrating and demoralizing experience for singles, leaving them feeling rejected and questioning what went wrong. The data highlights how location can play a significant role in dating experiences, with certain states and cities proving more challenging when it comes to finding lasting connections. Understanding these regional trends can help singles manage their expectations and approach dating in a way that sets them up for success.

The details

According to the data, the states with the highest reported rates of ghosting are Nevada (89%), New York (85%), Delaware (83%), Texas (82%), and Arizona (81%). Factors like a transient population, fast-paced dating scenes, and an abundance of options on dating apps contribute to these high ghosting rates. Even in cities like Denver, which has hosted chaotic reality dating shows, ghosting has become the norm, with 75% of singles reporting being ghosted. On the other end of the spectrum, states like Vermont, Maine, and Hawaii have the lowest ghosting rates, with only about a third of singles saying they've been ghosted.

  • The data was collected in February 2026, ahead of Valentine's Day.

The players

Becca Blond

The author of the article, who has personal experience with the dating scene in Denver.

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What they’re saying

“Ghosting isn't rare anymore. It's standard operating procedure. Most Americans using dating apps say they've either ghosted someone or been ghosted themselves, making it one of the most common ways early-stage dating conversations end.”

— Becca Blond (yahoo.com)

“Ghosting is the norm these days. No one is courageous enough to be an adult and say, 'I don't want to see you again.'”

— Anonymous Redditor, Commenter on r/OnlineDating (Reddit)

“It's difficult and you may feel rejected and ignored. But you have been set free. Free from mental torture and false love. It's a reflection of their character, not yours.”

— Anonymous Redditor, Commenter on r/ghosting (Reddit)

What’s next

The data highlights the need for singles to manage their expectations and approach dating in a way that sets them up for success, especially in high-ghosting areas. Understanding the regional trends can help singles navigate the challenges of modern dating.

The takeaway

Ghosting has become a normalized part of modern dating, but the data shows that location plays a significant role in the likelihood of being ghosted. Singles in certain states and cities may need to be more resilient and keep their sense of humor intact when facing high rates of ghosting, while those in lower-ghosting areas may have a slightly easier time finding lasting connections.