Early Grand Theft Auto games made reference to the protagonists having love interests, such as Claude and Maria Latore from Grand Theft Auto III and Tommy Vercetti and Mercedes Cortez in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, but the ability to date girlfriends first appeared in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
GTA San Andreas
- Main article: Girlfriends in GTA San Andreas.
In GTA San Andreas, there are six possible girlfriends for Carl Johnson, with two of them, Denise Robinson and Millie Perkins, becoming girlfriends through the storyline. Dating any of the six girlfriends is not required for 100% completion of the game.
Denise is first encountered during the mission Burning Desire for Frank Tenpenny and Millie first appears during the mission Key To Her Heart in Las Venturas. The remaining four girlfriends are Michelle Cannes, Barbara Schternvart, Helena Wankstein and Katie Zhan. They can be found in a specific place somewhere in the game.
GTA IV
- Main article: Girlfriends in GTA IV.
In Grand Theft Auto IV, there are five possible girlfriends for Niko Bellic. Two of them, Michelle and Kate, are introduced through the storyline. The other three, Carmen Ortiz, Kiki Jenkins, and Alexandra Chilton, are met via online dating services.
GTV EFLC: The Ballad of Gay Tony
- Main article: Booty Call.
In The Ballad of Gay Tony, Luis meets the temporary girlfriends within the dancefloor of Maisonette 9.