I feel like 2026 is the year of people just wanting to be apart of non-toxic dating trends. While in previous years we’ve had “sledging” and “paperclipping”, it’s time for a healthier dating culture.
And from what I’ve heard from other singles along with Tinder’s annual Year in Swipe report, it looks like the state of modern love is going to get a lot more positive.
Right now, the latest forecast calls for intentional dating, real connection, and “clear-coding.” So if you’re looking to level up your love life and you’re looking for a potential partner, then here’s the future of dating in 2026.
1. Dating Intentionally
People are heading into 2026 with the mindset of dating intentionally. It’s no longer about just swiping right or saying yes to a date. It’s getting real with what you want out of a relationship so you can avoid the dreaded “situationship.”
This could be looking for another person who also wants something long-term, has similar values, is intentional, puts in the effort, and has emotional maturity. But it could also be what you expect out of yourself. It’s great to find someone who meets your expectations, but you also wanna make sure you live up to the same standards.
2. Friendfluence
Whether it’s looking to a friends’ relationships as inspo and hope for their future love life or going on double dates, for some, 2026 will be the year of friendfluence. It’s all about merging your social and dating life instead of keeping them separate.
3. Creating a Dating Cut List
Or as some people call it, a strict dating program, a dating cut list is how you make sure no red flags get overlooked. It helps you go into the 2026 dating scene with clear expectations about what you don’t want in a relationship. Nothing’s going to blindside you; you’re gonna get very specific. Because even if they cross off all of the good things on your positive attributes checklist, if they talk about you to their mom after a fight or they’re following certain types of… accounts, they’re getting cut.
4. Emotional Vibe Coding
Emotional vibe coding is being real with yourself about what you actually want and finding someone who wants the same. So for instance, in Tinder’s Year-in-Swipe report, it was found that 56% of daters put honest conversation at or near the top and 45% wanted more empathy from partners. This shows how much emotional clarity really matters in 2026. It’s about open communication and making sure you and your partner are on the same page.
5. Clear-Coding
According to Tinder, clear-coding is about being real with every potential match or partner and letting them know what you’re really looking for. No beating around the bush is allowed in 2026.
Daters are looking for clear communication about intentions + more emotional honesty. Also, 73% say that when they can be themselves around their dating partner, that’s when they know they like them. And honestly I get it; if the other person shares the same values and needs, it’s so much easier to get closer and feel at home with them.
Related: Whether it’s over text or on a dating app, here are a few pick up lines you can use.if you’re ready to get on the 2026 dating scene.
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.