Dating in 2026 is expected to shift towards more intentional and hopeful relationship trends. Key developments include 'Curveball-crushing,' where individuals embrace attraction outside their usual preferences, and 'Love-Loreing,' focusing on curiosity and discovering a partner's journey. 'StAtuS-Flexing' emphasizes open communication about relationship definitions to avoid confusion, while 'Truecasting' promotes authenticity from the start, moving away from curated online personas.