The new year offers a renewed sense of focus and motivation – and for many people, that energy extends into their dating lives. Enter Dating Sunday: the first Sunday in January, annually recognized as the busiest day for dating apps. In 2026, Dating Sunday falls on January 4 – Hinge and other dating apps will see increased activity as people get ready to put themselves out there and make deeper connections in the new year. 

With a little preparation, daters can make Dating Sunday the start of something meaningful. Ahead of January 4, Hinge’s Lead Relationship Scientist, Logan Ury (she/her), is sharing tips on how to approach Dating Sunday with intention and set yourself up for success:

How can I get ready for Dating Sunday?

1. Keep an open mind. Your next great date might be just outside what you first imagined. Small tweaks — like adjusting your distance or age range — can open the door to matches that you may have real chemistry with. 
2. Refresh your profile. The best way to grant yourself a fresh start with dating is with an updated profile. Hinge's Prompts let you share your personality and interests, helping others discover things in common. If you’re looking for extra guidance as you write your Prompt answers, try Prompt Feedback. You can see advice tailored just to you to help you open up about the things that matter to you. 
3. Share what you’re looking for by adding a Dating Intention. 83% of Millennial and 75% of Gen Z Hinge daters say they check someone’s Dating Intention before liking them. Also, explain your dating goals in your own words so that you can get on the same page as your matches early on.

What should I do on Dating Sunday? 

1. If you’re interested in someone, send a comment along with your like. Comments are twice as likely to lead to a date than just sending a like. People appreciate it when you make an effort to get to know them, so ask a question that will lead to a back-and-forth discussion.
2. Start the conversation right away. Once you match with someone, send a message as soon as possible. Your best chance at getting a response is within 24 hours of matching with someone on Hinge. 
3. Send a Voice Note. Voice Notes are a great way to connect with a match and show another side of you outside of your Prompts and photos. In 2025, conversations with Voice Notes were 41% more likely to lead to a date.
4. Make the most of Dating Hour. This hour on Dating Sunday is when we see the most likes and messages sent, so be sure to send a message when other users are most active. You’re more likely to be responded to.

Debunking common dating myths ahead of Dating Sunday

Myth: My profile has to be funny. 
Instead, think of your Prompt answers as conversation starters that show different parts of your personality. If you have a great sense of humor, be sure to show that, but you also don’t want to come across as one-note. Include some more earnest aspects of yourself too, such as your hobbies and passions. The key is to use your profile to tell a story — and let us discover the different sides of you. 

Myth : Setting a bunch of dealbreakers on Hinge will make it easier to find the right person. 
Instead, know that many people confuse pet peeves for dealbreakers. A pet peeve is a minor thing that you find inconvenient. A dealbreaker is a fundamental incompatibility. Double down on your true dealbreakers, and try staying open-minded on the rest. Don’t let pet peeves like living an extra 15 minutes away get in the way of what actually matters. 

Myth: I should wait to see who likes me.
Instead, go after what you want and help Hinge learn your type by sending likes. Sending likes on Hinge helps you initiate a connection with someone you’re excited about – and it teaches our recommendation system who you’re compatible with. 

Myth: I should play it cool, or wait for the other person to text me first.
Instead, be a consistent communicator – no games. It’s a common dating dilemma: you think you should act cool, while the other person is hoping you’ll show you care. But clarity is more attractive than ambiguity. Small gestures, like texting someone to confirm your plans the morning of a date, or keeping them updated that you’re heading out to where you’re meeting, help others see that you genuinely care.