The dating landscape may look very different from the one singles navigated a generation ago, but a new national research study suggests that the desire for a close and meaningful relationship remains remarkably strong. At the same time, today's singles are redefining what that relationship needs to look like.

Those are among the findings from the 15th annual Singles in America study, conducted by researchers at the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University. The 2026 survey included approximately 5,000 U.S. single adults, ages 18 and older, who were demographically representative of the U.S. singles population. The findings were broken down by age and gender.

Singles in America has surveyed more than 80,000 people in the United States about changing relationship patterns and social trends.

Conducted between March and April 2026, the 120-question survey explored dating, relationships, marriage, children, finances, work, gender roles, mental health, social media, technology and other social issues.

The study is part of a much larger research effort. Since its start, Singles in America has surveyed more than 80,000 people in the United States, creating what the Kinsey Institute describes as one of the richest data sets for examining changing relationship patterns and social trends.

One of the more intriguing findings concerns attraction. Although singles are increasingly clear about what they want in a long-term partner, the percentage reporting a "checklist" rose from 25 percent in 2021, to 34 percent in 2026. Forty-nine percent said they had fallen for someone they weren't initially attracted to. That's up from 30 percent in 2010. Good conversation, common interests and friendship were among the factors that helped change their perceptions.

The findings reveal an apparent contradiction, explained Justin Garcia, Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University and a co-lead of the study, in a press release. "There's an interesting tension in the data: singles today have clear expectations for a partner, but love still has the ability to surprise them.”

The study also found renewed interest in commitment:

  • The percentage of respondents who said they don't want a relationship fell from a peak of 32 percent in 2021 to 24 percent in 2026.
  • The percentage who said they would like to marry someday rose from 33 percent in 2010 to 45 percent in 2026.
  • Thirty percent said they would consider a long-term committed relationship without intending to marry.

What singles increasingly seem to value is not necessarily a traditional relationship template, but qualities within the relationship itself. Mutual respect and open communication were among the most frequently cited characteristics of a healthy relationship, while 39 percent said someone they could trust and confide in was among their top three desired qualities in a committed partner. Emotional maturity was also important.

Nearly four in 10 singles said they have already used artificial intelligence in their dating lives, primarily to improve communication, find matches or generate messages.

Money, meanwhile, is playing an increasingly significant role in romance. More than half of respondents — 52 percent — said the difficult economy made them interested in finding someone with whom to share their life. But financial insecurity can also delay relationships, with some singles saying they want to establish their careers, build savings, pay down debt or buy a home first.

Technology is changing dating, too. Nearly four in 10 singles said they have already used artificial intelligence in their dating lives, primarily to improve communication, find matches or generate messages. Yet 66 percent said AI could not replace human connection.

Taken together, the findings suggest that modern dating may be less about following a prescribed path and more about deciding what a fulfilling relationship means personally. Singles may have clearer expectations than ever, but they haven't necessarily given up on being surprised by love.