Top Dating Trends for 2026….and a free gift

Andrea McGinty
1 day ago
3 min read

If you’ve been following my articles on various news media and my emails to you, THANK YOU. Truly. I am honored by your support.

Your comments, emails, and stories over the years have been funny, heartfelt, surprising — and always appreciated. Writing for you all is one of my favorite parts of my job.

Thanksgiving was very special too…Two clients got engaged over that weekend! (Hint: I’m still waiting for permission from you to show your photos….)

And because this is the season of giving, I have a little surprise for you…

A Gift From Me to You — No Strings Attached

I’d love to send you a free copy of my best-selling book,2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50.

Here’s how to claim yours:

Email me at: 33kdates@gmail.com
Subject line: Free Book
Include your name + mailing address in the email*
*I never, ever, ever, share or sell my database or clients!

✔ The first 10 readers who email me will receive a brand-new copy shipped directly from Amazon (arrives by December 11 via 2-day shipping).

✔ U.S. addresses only — and no P.O. boxes (Amazon gets grumpy about that).

✔ Already partnered or married? Wonderful! Gift it to your favorite single friend for the holidays.

This is simply my way of saying thank you.

Now… Let’s Talk 2026 Dating Trends! *parts are excerpts from an article this week

Dating in your 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s is smarter, bolder, more joyful, and — yes — sometimes hilariously unpredictable. And this year brings some exciting shifts worth paying attention to.

I’ve also included insights from two longtime colleagues and industry experts, Lisa Purdum of e3Matchmaking.com and Jill Vandor of Allure Matchmaking and — people I’ve known for more than 25 years. Their perspectives add another layer to what’s unfolding in the 2026 dating landscape.

Ready? Let’s jump in.

What I Predict

From boomers reinventing love in midlife to the return of in-person dating and a rise in globalized relationships, these experts agree: 2026 will be the year singles date smarter, intentionally, and more authentically than before.

1. Baby Boomers and Generation X Are Leading a New Dating Revolution: “Gray Dating” Goes Mainstream

McGinty reports a 23% spike in these age groups joining online dating since 2022.In contrast to singles in their 20s and 30s (who are using dating apps less and less), Singles

45–65+ are increasingly relying on dating apps and are the most active demographic she works with.

What Baby Boomers and Gen X Want in 2026

Ages 40–60:

Most remain open to marriage.

3. Ages 60+:

Prefer L.T.R.M. — Long-Term Relationship, Marriage-Free(Some have come to the conclusion: Who needs that piece of paper? No need to mix finances.)

4. 85% of singles 45–65+ report interest in active, healthy sex lives

What Else Is Trending?

5. Therapy-Literate Dating Becomes the Gold Standard

Singles now want partners with:

Emotional intelligence
Accountability
Nervous-system regulation
Conflict-repair skills

"Singles with self-awareness are in high demand," Jill commented."Drama is out. Repair is in."

6. Intelligent Dating: Matchmakers/Dating Coaches Become the New Personal Trainers

High achievers are treating their love lives like an investment.

"These clients already have executive coaches, trainers, strategists," Lisa Purdum says. "Matchmaking/Dating Experts fits naturally into that ecosystem."

She also identifies two major shifts:

"Swipe Hangovers" — singles are burned out on apps; they want someone else to do it for them (it's called Online Profile Management)
A push toward real human vetting over AI-driven conversations

7. Authenticity Beats AI — “Messy Is the New Sexy”

Singles are turned off by polished, bot-written messages.

"People can spot AI charm a mile away," Lisa says."In 2026, the flex is realness — even if there's a typo."

It’s some food for thought, right?

I’d Love to Know Your Thoughts on This

What do you see as dating trends in 2026?
What do you hope for in dating in 2026?
Have you ever used AI to help you with dating?

Feel free to comment at 33kdates@gmail.com because I do read everything myself! And I’m super interested in your thoughts.