Tinder has released its Year in Swipe 2025 report, which shows a major shift in how singles approach romance. If last year was about intention, this year is all about honesty, ditching mixed signals, calling for the bare minimum, and bringing back fun in dating.

Singles on Tinder state that they are prioritising clarity and emotional openness. They are still interested in relationships, but now on terms driven by personal expression instead of external expectations.

Recent trends such as the “boyfriends are embarrassing” trend and the rise of soft-launching relationships point towards a new kind of modern dating, according to the Tinder report, which adds that “today’s daters see self-expression and autonomy as the ultimate flex”. Authenticity is becoming the new relationship status symbol.

Here are some dating trends that, according to Tinder’s repor,t will define the 2026 dating graph.

1. Clear-coding: no more guessing games

Singles are stating what they want upfront—whether that means a real-world date, something casual without loopholes, or a path towards commitment.

64 per cent believe emotional honesty is the biggest thing dating needs

60 per cent want clearer communication from matches

73 per cent know they like someone when they can be fully themselves

Even AI is getting invited into the dating process—76 per cent say they would use it for planning dates, choosing photos, or building bios.

2. Hot-take dating: values are the new chemistry

Differences in beliefs matter more than ever:

37 per cent say shared values are essential.

41 per cent won’t date someone with opposite political opinions.

Women (35 per cent) are less willing to compromise on politics than men (60 per cent).

Key dealbreakers include respecting racial justice (37 per cent), family perspectives (36 per cent), and LGBTQ+ rights (32 per cent). And basic kindness? Still unbeatable—54 per cent say that being rude to staff is a major red flag.

3. ‘Friendfluence’: the group chat has final say

Friends aren’t just watching the love story—they are co-pilots:

42 per cent say friends influence who they date.

37 per cent expect more group and double dates in 2026.

34 per cent gain dating hope from their friends’ relationships.

Tinder’s Double Date feature reflects this support-driven era, with under-30 users dominating and women engaging more actively when matching as a pair.

4. Emotional vibe coding: hope is hot again

Singles want real feelings—without heavy drama:

56 per cent say honest conversations matter most.

45 per cent want more empathy around rejection.

“Hopeful” was the top word describing dating in 2025.

The preferred first-date style? Simple, playful, no pressure, like coffee or a relaxed walk. Many are searching for the “low-key lover”, someone calm and consistent. And even harmless crushes get love, 28 per cent enjoy the butterflies even if it goes nowhere.

What popped for Indians on Tinder in 2025, according to Tinder

Top global Interests: travel, nature, singing, sports, walking

Top personality types: ENFP (extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving), ENFJ (extroverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging), INFP (introverted, intuitive, feeling, and perceiving), (introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging), INTJ (introverted, intuitive, thinking, and judging).

Top interests: photography, travel, biryani, foodie life, poetry, 90s nostalgia, movies, music

Most common star signs: Leo leads the chart, followed by Scorpio and Libra

Communication styles: from WhatsApp-all-day texters to “better in person” chatters

Love languages in demand: quality time tops the list, with gestures, touch, gifts and compliments close behind

Top causes matched on: mental health, climate action, sustainability, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare

Most-played artists: Drake, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber

Top Indian songs: For A Reason (Karan Aujla), Saiyaara, Apna Bana Le, Jo Tum Mere Ho, and more