Throning: The Royal Seat (or Cheat) of Modern Digital Dating
If you thought modern dating couldn’t get any more strategic, think again. Enter throning—a deliciously cheeky, slightly scandalous dating trend where love and social status collide. Forget medieval battles for the throne; in today’s world, the battlefield is Instagram, LinkedIn, and the influencer scene.
Throning is the art of dating someone for clout, not necessarily for love. It’s not about grand romance or deep emotional connection—it’s about rubbing elbows with someone who can elevate your social standing. Whether that’s an influencer with a blue checkmark, a high-powered executive, or the it person of a certain social circle, the goal is the same: to get closer to their metaphorical throne and soak up the prestige that comes with it.
What Is Throning, and How Did We Get Here?
Blame it on the digital age. While Millennials turned dating into a swipe-right sport, Gen Z has added a new twist—leveraging relationships for social credibility. With social media shaping careers, friendships, and even romance, it’s no surprise that status-seeking has bled into dating culture.
Throning isn’t necessarily new—historically, people have married for power, prestige, and connections rather than love (cough, royal families, cough). But today, with viral fame and social currency driving influence, throning has become a modern power move. Instead of gold-digging for financial wealth, this is clout-digging—where your partner’s social status becomes your springboard to greater visibility.
Think about it: Dating a well-connected entrepreneur could open doors to exclusive events. Romancing an influencer could skyrocket your follower count. Cozying up to a celebrity trainer could land you fitness sponsorships. It’s not always just about love—it’s about opportunity.
Are You Being Throned? Signs Your Partner Might Be in It for the Clout
Curious if your significant other is a genuine admirer or just a social climber? Here’s how to spot a throne-chaser:
- Their social media is their life. They’re way more engaged in curating their online presence than connecting with you in the real world.
- They love your job, connections, or lifestyle more than they love you. If they seem more interested in your network, platform, or VIP access than your personality, that’s a red flag.
- Your relationship is their aesthetic. If every date conveniently becomes an Instagram Story or TikTok moment, ask yourself—are they dating you or your content?
- They climb the social ladder at lightning speed. Have they suddenly gained new followers, invites, or career perks since dating you? Coincidence? Maybe. A strategic move? Also, maybe.
- They’re hesitant about deeper conversations. Someone who’s throning isn’t looking to build emotional intimacy—they’re keeping things surface-level and transactional.
Is Throning Really That Bad?
Not necessarily. Some argue that all relationships involve a mix of romance, ambition, and mutual benefit. After all, isn’t part of attraction tied to someone’s accomplishments, lifestyle, or influence? Many successful power couples have built their brands together—so where’s the line between a healthy partnership and straight-up clout-chasing?
The danger lies in inauthenticity. It’s one thing to admire your partner’s achievements; it’s another to use them as a stepping stone. If someone is in a relationship purely for what they can gain socially, financially, or professionally, that’s when it becomes exploitative.
How to Avoid Getting “Throned”
If you’re worried about being someone’s social ladder, keep these tips in mind:
- Watch how they act when the cameras are off. Are they as present and invested when no one’s watching? Or does their affection disappear when the Instagram Stories stop?
- Gauge their emotional depth. A throne-chaser may avoid real, meaningful conversations because they’re more focused on surface-level benefits.
- Protect your connections. No matter how charming someone is, you don’t owe them access to your network, followers, or professional circle.
- Look for a balanced relationship. A healthy partnership is built on mutual admiration—not one person capitalizing on the other’s social capital.
Final Thoughts: Are They Here for the Throne or for You?
Throning is the guilty pleasure dating term we didn’t know we needed. It’s equal parts cringe-worthy and fascinating—a mirror reflecting how social currency has infiltrated modern romance. But beneath the humor lies an important question: When we enter relationships, are we choosing partners for who they are or for what they can offer?
So the next time you catch someone a little too eager about your Instagram following or LinkedIn connections, ask yourself: Are they here for the king or queen in me? Because the right partner won’t just sit beside you on the throne—they’ll make sure your crown stays on straight.