A new dating trend dubbed 'choremancing' has emerged among Britain's singletons – where dates are combined with everyday tasks such as cooking or dog walking.
Experts say blending romance and daily errands allows prospective partners to remain grounded while “embracing connection wherever it turns up”.
The trend emerged in the ninth annual dating report by Plenty of Fish [https://www.pof.com/] , which found 42 per cent of single people now combine dates with everyday tasks.
Including dog walks (58 per cent), in the gym (25 per cent) and even doing the weekly shop (21 percent).
Others are embracing ‘Retromancing’, with 24 per cent inspired by the love stories of their parents and grandparents.
This has seen singletons prioritising thoughtful gestures such as holding doors open (39 per cent) and cooking homemade meals (38 per cent).
While 34 per cent prefer phoning their potential partner to check in rather than texting.
‘Love Bubbling’ also emerged – fuelled by the rise in popularity of 'romantasy’ fiction it is about the joy of embracing all the elements of the dating process
One in three (34 per cent) of these ‘love bubblers’ love everything from getting ready for a date to re-living each moment with friends.
Eva Gallagher, resident expert for the dating app, said: “What we’re seeing for 2026 is a real shift in mindset.
“UK singles are approaching dating with fresh energy, mixing fun and creativity with a more grounded sense of purpose.
“Trends like ‘Choremance’ and ‘Love Bubbling’ show that people are no longer waiting for the perfect moment, they’re making everyday experiences meaningful and embracing connection wherever it shows up.
“There’s a growing confidence in dating culture, and that optimism is exactly what gives people hope.”
The report also identified ‘Turbo Dating’, with 55 per cent of singletons skipping the initial small talk and messaging in favour of forming a deeper emotional connection straight away.
Many are upfront about values (42 per cent), life goals (37 per cent) and dealbreakers (21 per cent) on a first date.
‘Re-Saddling’ was another trend, seen among those re-entering the dating scene after time away, with 35 per cent focusing on being unapologetically themselves from the start.
Of those embracing the trend, 32 per cent said their dating success had improved – rising to 50 per cent among Londoners.
The final trend was ‘Fur-casting’, with 17 per cent looking to date someone because of a shared love of animals or plans to own pets.
Pet ownership itself is widely seen as a big green flag, associated with kindness (47 per cent), responsibility (46 per cent) and loyalty (39 per cent).
Stand-up comedian Olga Koch, who has partnered with Plenty of Fish to contribute to the report, added: "Dating in 2026 is all about blending the everyday with the extraordinary.
"From Turbo Dating to RetroMancing, singles are moving away from the old rules and getting creative with how they meet, connect, and fall in love.
"As a proud admin aficionado, I especially love the idea of a Choremance.
"Merging my love life with my to-do list is a game-changer."
