Key Takeaways

Plenty of Fish has released its 9th annual list of the top dating trends to look out for in the coming year. Expect to see more puns and portmanteaus on POF’s list, from chemRIZZtry to curveball crushing to $tAtu$-flexing, that describe the upcoming dating trends of 2026. 

Nearly 6,000 U.S. Plenty of Fish users helped shape the app’s trend predictions. Their insights brought Plenty of Fish to a not-so-surprising conclusion: Many of today’s daters feel confined by the standard dating app structure, and want to break free from the algorithm. In short, singles are itching to ditch the apps in favor of IRL meet-cutes. 

2026 could very well be all about authenticity, spontaneity, and emotional transparency — for daters, and for their dates. 

“Today’s singles are embracing who they are, quirks and all!” said Rachel DeAlto, POF’s Resident Dating Expert. “From seeking unexpected chemistry to confidently labeling their relationships, we expect daters in 2026 to prioritize clarity, honesty, and real connection over outdated rules and surface-level checklists.” 

Singles Crave Spontaneity In Their Dating Lives 

Dating apps were meant to help singles organize their dating needs, desires, and eventually their dates, but this high level of organization may lead to a sense of rigidity. 

Today’s daters want to break free from the confines of an algorithm. They want to find new, unexpected, and spontaneous connections that actually make them excited about the unknown. 

2025’s theme of in-person connections will most likely continue to be popular in 2026. IRL romance may be intimidating, but a little intimidation is a small price to pay for the sincerity and excitement of unexpected romance, according to POF’s survey.  

Specifically, 1 in 4 people told POF that they’ve experienced the phenomenon of being unexpectedly captivated by someone’s aura or charm — their “rizz,” as the kids say, or as POF calls it, their “chemRIZZtry.” 

More people may find themselves “Catching unexpected chemistry with someone [they] didn’t think [they’d] be into, thanks to their undeniable charisma,” according to POF. 

ChemRIZZtry could very well lead to what POF calls “curveball crushing” — when singles connect with someone outside their usual “type.” Nearly half (42%) of surveyed singles told POF that they’ve fallen for someone unexpected because they gave them a chance based on their good vibes alone. 

With singles willing to take the long way around for love, it shouldn’t be surprising that they’re also willing to date solely for “the plot.” In other words, singles want to deepen their dating lore without using dating apps, which tend to slow the momentum. 

Thirty-seven percent of surveyed POF users told the app that they have participated in “love-loreing,” or going on a date simply for the good story that may come out of it. Fifty percent are willing to try new things or adopt new interests if it means potentially finding love in the process. 

Authenticity Will Continue To Drive Connections in 2026

The superficiality associated with online dating can make authenticity feel out of reach. Filter-less photos, honest communication, and identity verification may become popular online dating safety standards in 2026. 

According to POF, “truecasting” refers to singles showing up as their most authentic selves on dates, meaning they leave the face-blurring filters and vague descriptions of their dating goals at home.

We’ve seen the beginning of this in 2025, with apps like RAW and Feeld specifically encouraging users to be honest about their dating needs on their profiles. 

The safety afforded by authenticity isn’t going anywhere in 2026, either. There’s a reason why a wave of dominant dating apps, including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, have all started offering age and/or identity verification in the last few years. 

One in 4 singles swear by the power of authenticity on first dates, according to POF. “They’re welcoming romantic nostalgia, leaning into the excitement of meeting someone new, and are dating with sincerity,” DeAlto said. 

Where there’s sincerity, honesty is not far behind. It’s why POF says “$tAtu$-flexing”, or status-flexing, is the unexpected green flag of 2026. “Situationships are out, and defining the relationship is in,” POF says. Labels may seem like a confining product of the past, but at least they give daters an idea of how their partner feels about the relationship. 

Like the 64% of respondents who told POF that they’re in a casual relationship, the 62% who said they define themselves as “boyfriend” and/or “girlfriend,” and the 30% who say they’re in an exclusive relationship, labels serve to clarify, not to confine.