Gen Z Is Throning—Which Personality Types Are Choosing Status Over Love?

Ah, dating in the 2020s. Just when you think you’ve got the lingo down—ghosting, orbiting, breadcrumbing—someone throws a new term into the mix. Enter “throning,” the latest buzzword in the dating world. 

Essentially, throning is when you date someone for the ego boost they bring—whether that’s through status, wealth, fame, influence or just having that elusive cool factor. You date them for clout more than romance, hence the name—you get on their metaphorical throne.

Throning is a hot new word for a pretty old theme. People have been “dating up” since the dawn of time (gold diggers, anyone?), but in today’s social media-driven world, where social currency is often valued more than intimacy, the practice has taken on a whole new level. 

Now, not everyone is cut out for throning, or interested in it, for that matter. Your attitude is going to depend a lot on your personality type. So, which types are more likely to succumb to the allure of throning? Here’s our best guess, ranked in the descending order. 

Types Most Likely to Engage in Throning

ENTJ

If there’s one type who won’t think twice about throning, it’s ENTJ. These types are what people call “sharks.” They don’t get hung up on emotions or ethics when they’re “in the zone” of being focused on achieving their goals. If dating someone can help them climb up the social hierarchy or rise to the top in their career, they’ll jump at the opportunity without hesitation. Plus, ENTJs have this knack for spotting weaknesses in others, and they have no reservations in using this power to get ahead. That said, ENTJs might also find themselves on the receiving end of throning. These types tend to succeed in life by all conventional measures, and their status and ambition can make them attractive targets for others looking to level up.

ENTP

ENTPs are strategic and opportunistic. They won’t mind throning someone if it can help them level up—whether it’s through advancing in their personal goals, gaining influence or accessing important networks. But for them, throning isn’t just a means to an end—it’s also like a fun challenge. ENTPs love pushing boundaries and seeing how far they can go. Dating someone for their status is like a game, almost like playing devil's advocate in a debate just to see where it takes them. 

ESTP

ESTPs may engage in throning because they’re driven by success and the desire to be noticed. For them, having a partner with status is a tangible way to show their value and influence. They’re also pragmatic and view relationships from a practical perspective. If dating someone gives them access to scarce resources, valuable connections or hard-to-come-by opportunities, they’re all in for the perks.

ESFP

ESFPs aren’t inherently driven by status, but they might engage in throning for the indirect benefits that status can bring. For one, they love being in the spotlight and are very big on social validation. They can easily get caught up in the glitz and glamour of dating someone for their status. Secondly, they’re all about having fun and enjoying life to the fullest. So, if dating someone boosts their social visibility or opens access to a more glamorous lifestyle or interesting experiences, they’re all for it.  

ESTJ

ESTJs might go for throning because they are goal-oriented, practical and results-driven. But for them, throning isn’t about showing off—it’s about securing the resources and connections they need to succeed in a practical, no-nonsense way. However, ESTJs also value honesty and straightforwardness. They won’t sugarcoat their intentions, so this type might “throne” while making it very clear that they’re not interested in a long-term relationship or commitment.

ENFP

Like ESFPs, ENFPs are not the type to pursue a relationship purely for the sake of status. But they’re definitely open to it for the freedom or platform it can offer. If dating someone opens the door to opportunities or social circles that can help them realize their passions and dreams, they won’t think twice about it (ok, they might think twice, but they’ll probably go for it in the end). That said, they’re unlikely to stick around in such a relationship for long unless it evolves into a genuine, meaningful connection. 

Types Least Likely to Engage in Throning

The following types are not ranked as much as grouped in one big bucket of "least likely to throne." Of course, this doesn't mean they're completely resistant to it—everyone has their own motivations and circumstances. However, they're probably going to be more skeptical of throning and less likely to engage in it for its own sake.

INTJ

Although they’re ambitious and success-oriented, like ENTJs, INTJs are more skeptical of status, and highly private about their relationships. Being introverted, they find social maneuvering more draining, so dating for status would feel like a waste of their energy and time.

ISTP

ISTPs are unlikely to throne because they value relationships that feel no-nonsense and give them the freedom to be themselves. They’re also introverted, so throning would be too much drama and hype for them. 

INTP

INTPs couldn’t care less about what others think of them, so the whole idea of throning is just not their thing. Plus, they’re not the type to play games—and frankly, they are not good at it  either. 

ESFJ

While they definitely enjoy being liked and admired, ESFJs are not really the type to date for status. They care too much about others’ well-being, and dating someone for what they can offer—as opposed to who they are as a person—isn’t exactly a caring move. 

ISFJ

Throning just doesn’t fit into the ISFJ’s world because they’re too focused on building trust and security in their relationships. And like ESFJs, they care too much about others, so their heart won’t allow them to do it. Plus, they just don’t have the energy for drama and manipulation. 

ISTJ

 ISTJs are all about doing the right thing, so the whole idea of dating for an ego boost goes against everything they believe in. Plus, they’re not into playing games or wasting time on relationships that don't have real, long-term potential.

ISFP

For ISFPs, relationships are all about genuine connection and shared experiences, so dating for status would feel shallow and unfulfilling.  Plus, they are too free-spirited to throne someone because it requires too much pretense—and that’s just not their style.

ENFJ

ENFJs are all about deep connections and shared purpose in their relationships. Superficial stuff like wealth and fame doesn’t really do it for them. And although they’re quite good at social maneuvering, they’re too principled to do it for personal gain. 

INFJ

INFJs are driven by their deep values and ideals. They’re unlikely to throne because it just doesn't sit right with them. They care too much about emotional depth and shared purpose to date someone purely for superficial gains. 

INFP

INFPs are probably the least likely type to engage in throning because it goes against their need for authenticity and emotional depth. Plus, they’re not really into climbing the social ladder. They’re too focused on staying true to themselves and being with people who truly get them to worry about status and image.