Dating has become tough for those looking for love. In a world where words like ‘ghosted’, ‘benched’, ‘soft-launched’, ‘shrekking’, ‘monkey-barring’, ‘chatfishing’, and ‘roster dating’ are commonplace
and the use of AI is everywhere, it can be difficult to find a connection with someone. However, if war and long distance didn’t stop people from looking for their soulmate, the new technology shouldn’t do it either.
A new survey by Happn, a dating app, has found that times are changing in the world of love. People are looking for real and meaningful connections and are persevering through all the obstacles coming their way.
Here are 5 dating trends that will define love in 2026 and how traditions are changing:
Back to feeling(s): A Return to Slow, Sincere Romance
After years of dating burnout and dizzying dating culture, singles are craving romance that feels human again – thoughtful gestures, deeper conversations, and relationships that don’t feel rushed. It’s the same slow-burn energy behind global favourites like Love Is Blind and Bridgerton, where genuine connection always beats chaos. And with 27% of singles saying they feel renewed hope about love, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of softer, clearer romance, slow, intentional, and built with much better emotional boundaries.
Allies on the rise: Softer Men, Stronger EQ
There’s a powerful shift unfolding in modern dating, a rise in genuine equality and emotional intelligence. Singles, especially women, are done applauding the bare minimum and are seeking partners who truly walk the equality talk. And it shows: 17% say gender-equality values are non-negotiable, while 32% say these values strongly influence who they date. After years marked by masculinism and bold-but-empty “alpha energy”, 2026 is bringing a refreshing reboot. Men are leaning into empathy, communication, and real partnership, not performative gestures. People now value effort that appears in everyday behaviour, not just in words, choosing partners whose actions genuinely match the bio.
AI Situationship: AI as the Emotional Sidekick, Not Replacement
AI isn’t stealing your crush, but it is helping people reflect and understand themselves better. Surprisingly, 54% of singles say they wouldn’t mind if their crush had an emotional bond with an AI, proof that quickly digital companionship is normalising. Still, 41% feel uneasy, reminding us that algorithms can assist, but the chemistry? That’s on us.
The price of love: Money Talk Gets Real
In 2026, money talk is officially no longer awkward; it’s a compatibility marker. With rising costs and shifting social norms, daters want partners who align on spending, saving, and shared financial values. While 41% still believe the man should pay on the first date, 39% prefer splitting the bill, highlighting a playful tug-of-war between tradition and modern equality. Call it romance… but financially responsible.
Sex Care: Intimacy Gets Healthier
Singles are choosing intimacy that feels safe, honest, and emotionally aligned. 39% say they prefer waiting until emotional closeness builds, proving that emotional chemistry is now just as important as physical attraction. And it isn’t just about partnered connection; 23% of singles say self-pleasure is part of their wellness routine, showing how self-connection is becoming just as essential as romantic intimacy.
