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How Gen Z Spends a Fun Night with Friends

The headlines might tell you they’re just staring at their phones, and not going anywhere, but Gen Z says this is what they do for fun with friends…

Written and Edited by the YPulse Editorial Team

Oct 23 2025
North America

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Gen Z isn’t antisocial—they’re finding new ways to hang with their friends whether it’s IRL, online, or somewhere in between
Watching movies is the top activity Gen Z does for a fun night out with friends
Eating out is another go-to, as they use meals to talk, unwind, and spend real time with their friends

While headlines may claim Gen Z is the loneliest generation, the truth is they do have friends, and they hang out with them often. In fact, YPulse’s Friendship and Community report shows 74% of 13-17-year-olds and 56% of 18-24-year-olds hang out with their friends at least weekly. But their idea of a “hangout” just looks a little different than gens before them. They’re not necessarily going clubbing or hitting the town every weekend, but they’re still creating their own kind of fun—the kind that feels more intimate and personal. A night with friends for Gen Z could mean anything from...