In 2025, the subject of sex has, at times, felt deeply political. And yet, despite less progressive attitudes towards topics like single-sex spaces, non-traditional approaches to dating (such as fluid relationships and ethical non-monogamy) have gone from niche conversations to mainstream mantras.

We've also seen sexual wellness enter the chat, and a growing obsession with Artificial Intelligence. This has all paved the way for a new approach to sex and dating in 2026. Twenty Twenty Sex, we predict, will be an era of purposeful pleasure – where more meaningful, satisfying connections are everything.

In our latest sex trends report, we explore how recent social, cultural, and economic factors will influence trends such as a revival of analogue dating. You’ll find out which generation has escaped the sex recession and how AI has become the digital ‘third’ in many relationships.

Here’s a glimpse of the main sex trends we’ve identified for 2026. For more fascinating stats and insightful analysis from our sex experts, read the full report.

1. Purposeful Pleasure

Only 19% of Gen Zs have met a romantic or sexual partner in a nightclub, compared to 26% of millennials and almost half of Gen X (42%) and boomers (46%). In 2026, Gen Z will seek out more meaningful connections instead of casual sex, partly because many still live with their parents – or don’t drink. As nightclubs continue to close down, this could mean one-night stands become a thing of the past.

2. Analogue Dating

Dating app fatigue is on the rise among younger generations, who are seeking out analogue and in-person meetings like speed-dating instead. 3 in 10 Gen Z meet romantic or sexual partners through dating apps (30%), and that number has declined compared to millennials (35%). Meanwhile, office romances could return, as more workplaces enforce in-person and hybrid working models.

3. Digital Threesomes

1 in 4 people in the UK talk to AI about sex (15%) or would like to (10%). It's clear that the technology will have increasing influence over our relationships, as more people turn to it for dating advice and even sex therapy. We’ll also see a rise in AI companion apps, which will cause serious ethical and privacy concerns as regulators scramble to implement safeguards.

4. Playful Pleasure

It's no longer taboo to own a sex toy, which means cute and collectable designs are in demand. In fact, searches for 'cute' sex toys on Lovehoney have tripled year-on-year. Fantasy toys will also have their moment in 2026, fuelled a thirst for ‘romantasy’ fiction.

5. Generation (se)X

With Gen X having sex twice as often as their Gen Z counterparts, this is the only age group not currently in a sex recession. Despite increasing rates of divorce after the age of 50, Gen X women in particular are shaking off the shame and worrying less about sex.

6. Natural Highs

Lovehoney’s first ever aphrodisiac chocolates sold out within the first two weeks of launch. With rising interest in health foods and supplements, we predict that sexual self-care will become part of a holistic approach to wellbeing, while libido-boosting natural remedies become even more popular.

7. Cosmic Pleasure

30% of younger daters admit to checking a match’s star sign. Whether you believe in cosmic powers or not, astrology is a playful way to lighten the mood of modern dating. With sentiment towards the dating pool at an all-time low, particularly for straight women, astrology will continue to provide comfort and guidance well into 2026.

When we look at the data, it’s clear that young people are less interested in boozy one-night stands. They're flouting taboos around sex toy ownership, disillusioned with app-dating, and seeking out a more mindful (occasionally even cosmically-guided) approach. Meanwhile, older daters are already having their sexual awakening; worrying less about sex and using a deeper understanding of their bodies to embrace their sexuality. All in all, the experts agree that 2026 will be the Year of Pleasure.

It's written in the stars, too. Leading astrologer, Sade Jackson, explains that 2026 is set up to be a particularly erotic year. On 20th February, Saturn and Neptune conjoin in Aries. "For some," Sade explains, "this may manifest as a bolder embrace of kinks or unfiltered sexual expression." That continues into April, as Uranus enters Gemini, "encouraging people to voice what they once only thought." Curious to know how the rest of the year will unfold? You can find Sade's full reading in our Twenty Twenty Sex report!