• Half of respondents in a Dating.com survey of 1,000 singles said seeing families trick-or-treating makes them feel lonely.
  • Nearly half said they had hidden that they were home alone or pretended to have Halloween plans, while 49% said social media posts of couples and families celebrating made them feel lonelier.
  • The findings highlight a concern that extends beyond holidays: A 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory reported that approximately half of U.S. adults had experienced loneliness

Behind the celebrations

Halloween can be difficult for singles spending the evening alone. Parties, costumes and family celebrations can intensify feelings of isolation. A Dating.com survey explores how those feelings shape the holiday.

Dating.com surveyed 1,000 singles about loneliness, social pressure and Halloween experiences. The platform, built around human connection, explored how respondents experience belonging during a holiday associated with togetherness. Its findings suggest that familiar celebrations can bring difficult emotions to the surface.

For people without plans, the evening can create pressure to appear involved. Some hide being home alone, even when nobody has asked them to explain their plans. Others find that answering the door or scrolling through social media makes the lack of companionship harder to ignore.

two skeleton near white concrete building with string lights at daytime
Image: Quilia / Unsplash

Beyond the pictures

Experts say holidays can amplify loneliness. Images of families and friends can trigger those feelings. Seeing celebrations can encourage comparisons. For someone already feeling isolated, a stream of group photos may deepen the sense of missing out. Taking a break from social media or making personally meaningful plans may help ease that pressure.

A human skeleton with an open jaw against dark foliage
Image: Sabina Music Rich / Unsplash

Making room for connection

Potential ghouls and goblins are encouraged to plan something enjoyable instead of focusing on others’ celebrations. Calling a friend, trying a hobby or building a Halloween tradition are options. Small moments can provide company.Online companionship offers another way to connect. A conversation or shared joke can make the evening feel less isolating. Connection doesn't have to depend on traditional Halloween plans.

three ghost statues in the dark with their faces glowing
Image: Jonny Gios / Unsplash

The bigger question

In May 2023, then-U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy issued an advisory describing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The advisory called for action to strengthen social connection across communities and institutions. Its scope extended well beyond holidays.With loneliness identified as an epidemic, what can individuals and communities do to make meaningful connection part of everyday life — not just Halloween?

A group of people standing in front of a building
Image: Nils Huenerfuerst / Unsplash

The stats

  • 50% feel lonely when they see families trick-or-treating on Halloween.
  • 49% have switched off their lights so trick-or-treaters would not know they were home alone.
  • 47% have pretended to have Halloween plans so they would not seem alone.
  • 49% say social media posts of couples and families celebrating Halloween make them feel lonelier.
  • 26% have cried or become emotional after answering the door to families trick-or-treating.
  • 29% have someone they met online in the past year whom they plan to talk to this Halloween.

Additional resources

These initiatives address loneliness and social isolation.

  • Commit to Connect: A federally funded national initiative that expands awareness of programs and resources addressing social isolation and loneliness. Its work emphasizes connecting people with opportunities to build social relationships.
  • AARP Foundation Connect2Affect: Offers a social isolation assessment and a local assistance directory. Resources help people identify isolation risks and find services that may support connection.
  • Institute on Aging Friendship Line: Provides free, confidential, 24-hour emotional support for adults 60 and older and adults with disabilities. Call 888-670-1360 for support with loneliness or disconnection.
  • DOROT Caring Calls: Matches older adults with adult volunteers for weekly telephone conversations. Participants nationwide initially commit to eight weeks of calls lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Project UnLonely: Uses creative expression to address loneliness and strengthen connection. Its resources include free short films exploring isolation, belonging and relationships.

Halloween apps and event options

  • Meetup Halloween groups: Find Halloween-themed groups organizing parties, outings and gatherings with other local enthusiasts.
  • Eventbrite: Search your city for Halloween gatherings. Listings include costume crawls, film screenings, scavenger hunts and parties, depending on location.
  • Bumble BFF: Meet potential friends and organize a shared activity. Its friendship-focused tools include conversations and group planning, though it is not specifically a Halloween service.
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