Traditional dates — candlelit dinners, walks along the waterfront, trips to the cinema — are gradually giving way to an unexpected trend. In 2026, more and more young people are choosing to test the chemistry between them whilst shopping together, doing the housework or carrying out other everyday tasks. This phenomenon has been dubbed ‘choremancing’. The term was coined by the Plenty of Fish platform, known for its catchy names for new trends. According to a survey of 5,000 users aged between 18 and 35, 42 per cent of respondents had already practised ‘choremancing’ without even realising it had a name. The idea quickly gained popularity on social media, and the HuffPost noted that many “may be doing it without even realising it”.

A new kind of romance in everyday life

Why has a simple trip to the shops become an alternative to a romantic dinner? The reasons are obvious: saving time and money (which is particularly relevant in the face of inflation), reducing stress (no need to choose a restaurant or an outfit) and, most importantly, the chance to see the real person, rather than their “date-night” version. It’s hard to put on an act in a supermarket — you’re either spontaneous and easy-going, or irritable and fussy. You can immediately see how someone reacts to minor setbacks (not finding their favourite bread), how they interact with those around them (whether they let an elderly lady go ahead of them in the queue), and what their eating habits are — all of which provides more insight than the standard questions about work and hobbies.

What’s more, “choremancing” meets the demand for authenticity. Today’s singles are tired of superficial dates where everyone tries to appear better than they really are. Shared daily routines break down this façade and allow you to see your partner in everyday life, when they’re at their most relaxed. This is particularly important for those seeking a serious relationship, because in the long run, it is precisely the ability to share everyday life that forms the basis of happiness.

What shared activities reveal about compatibility

Choremancing isn’t just a way to save money. It’s a powerful test of compatibility. How do you react when your favourite flavour of yoghurt runs out? How do you share the chores when queuing? Do you joke about unexpected situations or take everything too seriously? These little things reveal more about a person than hours of conversation in a restaurant. For example, if your partner gets annoyed at having to wait five minutes at the till, it’s a sign that they don’t cope well with stress. If, on the other hand, they find a way to turn a boring errand into a game, they’re creative and positive.

Eva Gallagher from Plenty of Fish notes that the rise of “choremancing” signals the emergence of a generation of daters who are ready and willing to connect in the most authentic and meaningful way possible. Today’s singles aren’t just looking for a partner for glamorous Instagram photos, but for someone with whom they can share everyday life. And what could be more everyday than a trip to IKEA together or tidying up the flat? In Sweden, for example, the term ‘IKEA date’ has even emerged — when a couple go to choose furniture and see how well they cope with the assembly instructions together.

Furthermore, this approach solves the problem of first-date awkwardness. When you’re busy with a task — choosing groceries, assembling furniture or cooking dinner — the tension eases. Conversation flows naturally, silences don’t feel awkward, and achieving a shared result (such as a assembled shelving unit) gives a sense of teamwork. Psychologists claim that such joint activities trigger the release of oxytocin – the ‘bonding hormone’ – more quickly than ordinary small talk. It’s chemistry at a molecular level.

Joingy com video chat as a first step towards checking compatibility

Before dragging your partner to the supermarket or an IKEA warehouse, it’s worth doing a ‘reconnaissance mission’. And here, video format becomes the ideal tool. A short video call allows you to gauge how comfortable you are communicating, whether you’re on the same wavelength and share a sense of humour. It’s like a test drive before a proper journey. In five minutes of video chatting, you can tell whether the person is up for spontaneous improvisation and whether they can laugh at themselves when, for example, they drop something or can’t think of a word.

Random video platforms, such as joingy com, give you the chance to practise spontaneous conversations without any obligations. You can discuss any everyday topics — what you had for breakfast, what film you’ve been watching, or what odd habits you have. This kind of light-hearted practice helps you relax and work out whether you’d like to take the conversation into the real world. What’s more, your Joingy random chat partners are often from other towns or countries, which lets you broaden your horizons and compare different approaches to everyday life.

Furthermore, a video chat can turn into a proper long-distance “chore-mancing” date. Suggest to your chat partner that you cook dinner together via video call — it’s both a routine and a romantic experience. You’ll be chopping vegetables, stirring the sauce and chatting about nothing in particular, creating that very cosy, homely atmosphere that’s so valuable in long-term relationships. And if you’re having fun even on Joingy, then a real-life date is bound to go well. You could even have a competition to see who can chop the salad quicker and more attractively — that’ll add a touch of playfulness.

Why “choremancing” is here to stay

“Choremancing” isn’t just a buzzword; it reflects profound shifts in the values of millennials and Gen Z. They’ve grown tired of ostentatious luxury and expensive restaurants, which often serve merely as a backdrop. What matters more to them is honesty, closeness and the chance to be themselves. According to an Eventbrite survey, 60 per cent of respondents said they would prefer an active date (such as cooking together) to a traditional dinner, because it’s less stressful and provides more opportunities for laughter.

This trend also aligns with the demand for sustainability and mindful consumption: less money is spent on unnecessary services, and more on shared experiences. What’s more, this sort of date fits easily into a busy schedule: there’s no need to set aside a whole evening; you can combine getting to know each other with doing the weekly shop. And after an evening like that together, you’ll already know what dishes your partner likes, and you can treat them to something special next time.

The future lies with formats like this, where romance isn’t separate from everyday life, but woven right into it. And if you haven’t yet tried asking someone to join you at the supermarket on a first date — perhaps it’s time to give it a go. You could start with a video call to make sure your future partner shares your enthusiasm for hunting down the perfect tomatoes. Believe me, it’s far more interesting than sitting opposite each other in the dim light, trying to think of something to say next.