By Oliver Lewis

Copyright mirror

With work, socialising, and chores filling up our schedules, finding time for dating can be a challenge. Perhaps that’s why a fresh dating trend dubbed ‘choremancing’ is catching on among Britain’s singletons. The phenomenon surfaced in Plenty of Fish’s ninth annual dating survey which found 42 per cent of singletons now combine dates with everyday tasks like walking the dog, going to the gym, or doing the weekly shop. While this trend reflects how busy modern life has become, relationship experts actually suggest combining romance with daily chores helps potential lovers stay realistic whilst “embracing connection wherever it turns up”. Others are embracing ‘Retromancing’, with 24 per cent inspired by the love stories of their parents and grandparents, and the good old days of chivalry. This has prompted singles to focus on considerate acts like opening doors and preparing home-cooked dinners. ‘Love Bubbling’ – revelling in every aspect of the dating journey – has also emerged as a significant trend, driven by the growing appeal of ‘romantasy’ novels. A third of these ‘love bubblers’ adore everything from preparing for dates to dissecting every detail with mates afterwards. 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 study revealed that more than half of those on the dating scene are ditching small talk and are adopting the ‘Turbo Dating’ approach by being direct about values, life ambitions and deal-breakers – all on the first date. Meanwhile, ‘Re-Saddling’ is motivating those who’ve taken a break from romance to return to the dating world , with a focus on being authentically themselves. A third of those who have adopted this approach reported their dating success had improved. The final trend was ‘Fur-casting’, with 17 per cent seeking partners due to mutual affection for animals or aspirations to have pets. Pet ownership is broadly viewed as a major positive indicator, linked with compassion (47 per cent), reliability (46 per cent) and faithfulness (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.”