Studies reveal that on average within 42 minutes and 29 seconds of a first date, most people know whether they would progress to a second date or not, proving that the first impression really does count, relying on green, red and beige flags as a cheat code for compatibility.
So what are our top dating flags? Interested to find out, we have worked with BonusFinder.co.uk as their team surveyed over 2,000 Brits and uncovered some of the most common red, beige and green flags and discovered the best and worst dating habits we are all guilty of, ahead of Valentine’s Day.
The top red flags according to Brits
| Rank | Act | Viewed as a red flag (%) |
| 1 | Not independent | 78.9 |
| 2 | Only talk about themselves | 76.2 |
| 3 | Talks about ex-partners too much | 75.7 |
| 4 | No fashion sense | 74.5 |
| 5 | Gets your name wrong | 70.7 |
| 6 | Lazy | 70.1 |
| 7 | Rude to others | 64.9 |
| 8 | Excessive phone use | 61.9 |
| 9 | Uses slang such as yeet, cop or bussin’ | 57.8 |
| 10 | Doesn’t tip | 56.8 |
The most common red flag amongst Brits is lack of independence, with an outstanding 79% voting for it. Whether they rely on their parents for too much or simply are easily influenced by others, this is a real turn-off amongst us all.
Meanwhile, in second place, 76% of respondents believe only talking about themselves earns a spot in the top three most common red flags. In third place, talking about your ex too much will put you in the bad books, with 76% of Brits referring to it as a red flag.
The top green flags according to Brits
| Rank | Act | Viewed as a green flag (%) |
| 1 | Attentive listener | 59.7 |
| 2 | Offers to pay the bill | 46.8 |
| 3 | Organises dates | 42.5 |
| 4 | Shared sense of humour | 38.7 |
| 5 | Is spontaneous | 34.7 |
| 6 | Good manners | 30.8 |
| 7 | Remembers your likes/dislikes | 29.4 |
| 8 | Family orientated | 28.8 |
| 9 | Showing enthusiasm | 28.1 |
| 10 | Responsive/good communication | 27.0 |
According to Brits, being attentive is the top green flag, with 60% loving being the centre of attention and their date being present in the moment.
Get your wallets ready, the age-old debate of who pays for the bill lands in second place. If you offer to pay nearly half of the UK (47%) award this act as the second-best green flag. Both men and women find it attractive for their date to offer to pay, with 48% of women and 44% of men considering it a positive act.
Meanwhile, being proactive and putting in the effort is a turn-on for many, with 43% of people declaring organising dates a green flag and the way to their hearts.
The top beige flags according to Brits
| Rank | Act | Viewed as a beige flag (%) |
| 1 | Not adventurous with food | 61.7 |
| 2 | Gives indecisive answers | 55.5 |
| 3 | Never been abroad | 54.3 |
| 4 | Only likes one genre of music | 52.3 |
| 5 | Non-specific/genuine compliments | 51.3 |
| 6 | Agrees with everything you say | 46.2 |
| 7 | Doesn’t know their left and right | 43.4 |
| 8 | Makes cliche statements | 40.8 |
| =9 | Doesn’t want to leave their hometown | 37.2 |
| =9 | Makes a food or drink their personality (coffee, craft beer) | 37.2 |
Beige flags have taken TikTok by storm, with many flocking to the app to share their thoughts. This term refers to things that make someone a bit odd, straddling the line of being an ‘ick’. Whilst they’re not ideal, they aren’t deal breakers for most. However, it’s best to steer clear of them, especially the top spot, not being adventurous with food, no one wants to make a romantic connection over bland food with 62% of votes.
Coming in second place is giving indecisive answers, not knowing where you see yourself in five years or even your favourite film can really put a downer on those hoping to find love, with 56% of Brits declaring it a beige flag.
In third place sits those who lack wanderlust, not travelling abroad can definitely put off the adventurous spirit, with 54% of respondents branding it a beige flag.
