Clear Commitment Overtakes Ambiguity in 2026 Dating Culture
Modern dating appears to be undergoing a notable shift as growing numbers of singles, particularly those aged 25 and older, signal a move away from undefined romantic arrangements toward explicit clarity early in the connection. Recent survey data from Indian dating app QuackQuack show that nearly three in five daters in this age group now prioritise establishing intentions early to avoid the emotional uncertainty often associated with “situationships,” a term used to describe romantic connections without clear commitment or future direction,
Situationships have long been a hallmark of app-driven dating cultures, appealing because they offered casual connection without the formal expectations of traditional relationships. However, many participants in the QuackQuack survey indicated that the initial low-pressure appeal of such arrangements was outweighed by the stress of unclear expectations and mixed signals, which can lead to uneven emotional investment and frustration.
This trend aligns with broader industry data pointing to increased demand for emotional honesty and direct communication. For example, Tinder’s Year in Swipe reports for 2025 and 2026 highlight “Clear-Coding” – a dating behaviour in which singles explicitly state what they want from matches, whether that’s a serious relationship, a casual yet defined connection, or a drama-free interaction. According to that research, a majority of daters emphasise emotional honesty and clear intentions as key priorities in their dating experiences.
Experts and relationship commentators note that the ambiguity inherent in situationships often mirrors the dynamics of a relationship without its stability: regular interaction, emotional intimacy and physical connection can exist alongside a lack of shared understanding about the future. This grey area can leave individuals uncertain about where they stand, leading to emotional burnout rather than fulfilment. As more and more singles become aware of this problem, they tend to turn to more intention-driven matching habits.
