💘 The Top Dating Trends for 2026 Are All About Good Vibes
Dating in 2026 is getting a glow-up! 💘 Plenty of Fish just dropped their list of the year’s hottest dating trends, and it’s all about good vibes, real connections, and even a little unexpected chemRIZZtry. From “love-loreing” to “status-flexing,” here’s what singles are saying will define the dating scene this year.
10/1/20251 min read
Dating is constantly evolving, and if you feel like you can’t keep up with all the new terms — don’t worry, Plenty of Fish has you covered. The dating app just dropped their ninth annual list of dating trends for the year ahead, based on insights from nearly 6,000 U.S. members.
The big takeaway? Modern singles in 2026 are all about sincerity, spontaneity, and just plain good vibes. Reality TV and social media are influencing how people date, but it’s less about playing games and more about leaning into authentic “meet-cute” moments.
Here are the top trends you’ll be hearing about this year:
✨ ChemRIZZtry – Catching unexpected chemistry with someone you didn’t think you’d be into… but their charisma just pulls you in. (Yep, “rizz” is officially part of dating now.)
🎬 Love-loreing – Dating “for the plot.” It’s all about saying yes to experiences, even if you’re not sure where they’ll lead. Think of it as building your own rom-com storyline.
⚾ Curveball-crushing – Going for someone outside your usual type. Turns out, 42% of singles have had luck with this one.
🎭 Truecasting – Forget the filters, be real from the first date. One in four singles say they’re already doing this, and more are hopping on board.
📢 Status-flexing – Situationships are out. Defining the relationship is IN. Whether it’s “dating,” “exclusive,” or full-on “boyfriend/girlfriend,” singles are putting labels back on the table.
Bottom line? Whether you’re chasing “chemRIZZtry” or just leaning into “love-loreing,” 2026 is shaping up to be a year where honesty and openness win.