Dating Forecast: 65% of Singles Feel Hopeful About Dating in 2026

Daters are entering 2026 with a renewed sense of confidence and hopeful expectations, leaving behind unmet desires in 2025 and eyeing clear set goals for the year ahead.

According to DatingNews.com’s new Dating Outlook survey, nearly two-thirds (65%) of singles surveyed report feeling optimistic or hopeful about dating in 2026, with more than half (51%) heading into the year with the intention of getting into a serious relationship. 

Yet singles aren’t just seeing through rose-colored glasses. They’re dating with strategic and grounded expectations by identifying their challenges head-on. 

Nearly half (45%) of surveyed singles say trust and honesty will be their biggest dating obstacles this year, while 11% say cost and safety are their biggest concerns, with men feeling the most financial pressure and women the most safety concerns. 

As daters prepare and set their goals for 2026, it’s clear that they will be dating with intention and strategy, rather than just urgency, in the year ahead.

51% Say a Serious Relationship Tops Their Dating Goals for 2026 

Our study found that more singles are prioritizing serious relationships over casual flings on their dating agenda this year. While nearly a third (31%) of respondents say they are looking for something casual, nearly half (51%) say they are seeking a long-term, serious relationship. 

These results indicate a shift toward more meaningful, deeper connections rather than temporary, just-for-fun experiences among U.S. singles. However, while the desire for serious relationships may outweigh the desire for casual hookups, it appears most aren’t thinking about taking their plan for long-term commitment to the altar either. 

Marriage ranked low among many singles’ goals lists this year, with only 9% saying they are dating with the intention of getting married. Out of those who did, women (12%) were nearly twice as likely as men (7%) to say marriage is a primary goal. 

Women (54%) were also more likely to want something more serious than men (48%), while men showed a higher preference for casual relationships than their female counterparts — 19% vs. 13%. 

73% of Singles Still Plan to Use Dating Apps in 2026

While the narrative is that dating apps are on the decline, our study found that most singles haven’t given up on them just yet. About 73% of surveyed singles say using apps is still very much part of their 2026 plans, with only 27% saying otherwise. 

Singles don’t just intend to use apps, but they also expect to find connections there, with men leading in this belief. According to our results, 69% of men expect to meet people through dating apps, while 60% of women say the same.  

But that doesn’t mean IRL interactions aren’t back on the rise. In fact, many singles are opting for this type of dating method, or at least planning to combine it with other strategies. 

Besides apps, here are other ways singles will be looking for romance this year:

• In real life: 65%
• Through friends or coworkers: 48%
• Dating or singles mixers: 31%
• Interest-based or lifestyle events: 24%
• Fitness or sports-based groups: 6%
• Matchmaking services: 3%

Among those who prefer IRL dating, Gen Z (74%) and millennials (68%) lead the pack. These results may not come as a surprise, as studies report Gen Z feeling swipe fatigue over the last three years. 

It seems younger daters are looking to other avenues to meet new people in place of the dating apps they grew up on, most likely in search of deeper connections and more aligned intentions. 

Women were also less app-dependent and showed more interest in mixed dating methods. While their male counterparts showed a higher preference for spontaneous meet-cutes — 69% vs 60% — women (53%) were more likely to prioritize trusted social filters (via friends and coworkers) than men (45%). 

Our results reveal that dating apps may not be out just yet, but they’re certainly not the whole strategy. It’s clear singles are relying on other methods to find relationships, as they prioritize in-person interactions to avoid the challenges of dating in digital silos.

As singles prioritize trust, honesty, and deeper emotional connections in 2026, many are also reevaluating how much technology belongs in their dating lives — especially as artificial intelligence becomes more accessible in everyday interactions.

Singles Are Setting Clear Boundaries Around AI in Dating

AI has taken the world by storm, and it has officially entered the chat when it comes to dating. Yet, some singles are feeling more hesitant about its use than others. 

For many, AI usage is totally acceptable in the “getting to know you” phase. Singles say AI can be used for: flirting and conversation ideas (20%), profile writing/editing (19%), dating advice/coaching (18%), and screening matches/red flags (18%). 

But 17% of singles say they are uncomfortable about using AI in any capacity. 

While most singles are open to AI in dating, they aren’t okay with it substituting real connection, especially when real feelings are involved. When asked at what point AI becomes a dealbreaker in dating:

• 25% say AI becomes a dealbreaker once feelings are involved
• 20% say it crosses the line after the first date
• 14% say AI use is already a dealbreaker during early messaging or profiles
• 17% say AI use would always be a dealbreaker, no matter the stage
• 17% say they don’t mind AI use at all
• 8% say it becomes an issue once exclusivity is discussed

The acceptance of AI in dating has been shown to depend on comfort level. While most singles are comfortable with its use in certain capacities, they draw the line once an emotional connection is formed. On the other hand, there are those who don’t mind its use at all, then those who won’t use it in any way. 

AI may be normalized for a meaningful minority of daters, but for the majority, its usage beyond the “talking” stage encroaches on the authenticity of a romantic connection. 

It’s clear daters are willing to try new strategies this new year. Whether it’s mixing dating methods or using AI, singles are entering 2026 with a fresh sense of optimism and an eagerness to make connections. 

While dating apps are still a part of the plan, singles are dating with more intention and are using a mix of human connection and modern tools to achieve their goals for the year ahead.  

Methodology

This survey was conducted by DatingNews and Prodege and includes responses from 1,000 U.S. adults ages 18 to 79 who reported being single and interested in dating. The sample includes a broad distribution across gender, age, and U.S. regions.

Fieldwork was completed in December 2025. The theoretical margin of error for a probability sample of this size is ±3.1% at the 95% confidence level.

For media inquiries, please contact Colleen@datingnews.com.