How to Use Tinder to Look for Hookups

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Plus, easy profile tweaks to indicate you’re looking for short-term fun
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Tinder is a great app for meeting new people, dating potential partners, and even casual hookups if you play your cards right! But there are a few key things to know before you start looking for fun on the apps. We talked to dating coaches and experts as well as dating app developers to help you make a profile that’ll get you hookups, find people to hook up with, and follow through on the fun while staying safe and enjoying yourself.

Finding Hookups on Tinder

Add attractive profile photos that show off your best features and make it clear in your bio that you’re looking for hookups. Swipe right on others looking for hookups, and be flirty but respectful in your messages. Meet in public before the hookup so you can get a feel for your partner before you make a move.

Section 1 of 5:

Making a Tinder Profile with Hookups in Mind

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  1. 1
    Make a profile and select your desired gender and distance range. The first step is downloading Tinder and creating an account . The app will ask what gender of profile you want to be shown, and within what range you want to see. Choose your desired gender according to your orientation, and select a range you find comfortable, like within 10 miles. Then, select your desired age range. It’s best to choose a range that’s near or around your own age.
    • If you choose a larger range, you may have to travel farther for your hookup.
    • For more privacy, use an anonymous email to sign up, rather than a public Facebook profile or your professional email.
  2. 2
    Add profile photos that show off your best features. Making a good profile is half the battle, and “your pictures are a good 75-80% of the equation,” says dating coach Lisa Shield. [1] Upload photos of yourself that are flattering, flirty, and maybe even show some skin . Shield says that these kinds of photos send the message that you’re looking to hook up. [2]
    • Include photos of yourself smiling so people know you’re approachable and laid-back.
    • Use a photo of yourself in a swimsuit at the beach, or even in skimpier clothes like underwear, if you’re comfortable, but be aware that Tinder doesn’t allow nudity.
    • If you’re not comfortable showing skin, no problem! Feel free to use more modest photos and let the rest of the profile send flirtier signals.
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  3. 3
    Say you’re “looking for fun” in your bio to tell others what you want. Dating coach Imad Jbara says that setting your intention right off the bat is important. [3] That way, people know what you’re here for, and like-minded people are more likely to match with you. Also, there’s no surprises about your intentions when you start talking or meet up. Fill out your bio with your hobbies, interests, and some personality details, and also include something like:
    • “Interested in a little fun. Let me know if you’re down!”
    • “Honestly, I’m mostly looking for hookups, but I’m laid-back and no-pressure.”
    • “I’m here for casual, no-strings encounters. If that’s your thing, swipe right!”
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Section 2 of 5:

Finding Hookups on Tinder

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  1. Now it’s time to find someone else who’s down for some fun. This is all about your own personal preferences and who you find attractive, so swipe right on anyone that catches your eye. You’ll have more success if you prioritize people who are also looking for a hookup, so check bios for more info on what they want. Shield says that sexy photos can sometimes imply that intention, but not always. [4]
    • When you see someone you like, swipe right or hit the green heart on their profile to show your interest. They’ll also need to swipe right on your profile for you to match, so be patient.
    • If you aren't interesting in a profile, swipe left to dismiss it and move to someone else.
    • Tinder is free to use, but you might find that buying Tinder Gold provides features that improve the experience, like more matches or showing your profile to more people. [5]
    EXPERT TIP

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach
    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    Make sure your bio conveys the right tone first, though. If you want something serious, design your profile to showcase that intention. If you're looking for casual encounters, keep your bio light and humorous. It's important that potential matches know what you want before you sync up.

  2. Once you match with someone, it’s time to lay on the charm! Dating expert Kristina Mirgorodskaya says to “keep it light and playful.” She also says to comment on something attractive you see on their profile, but to keep it to personality traits, like what they’re doing in their photos. [6] This shows them you’re interested, but having a saucy, flirty tone tells them you’re interested in something else, too. Stay respectful, but give them the opportunity to flirt back. For example, you might say:
    • “That looks like a sick bar in your photo? Where is it? We should go sometime!”
    • “I love your shirt. That’s one of my favorite bands!”
    • “Woah, you do yoga? You look super flexible.”
  3. Dating app developer Jeremy Sharvit says that “dating apps…should be about the logistics of actually meeting up to see if there's a connection there. I think a lot of people get hung up on the talking stage and are not moving forward.” [7] It’s okay to banter and flirt a little on the app (and it certainly sends the right message), but invite them to meet you in person ASAP, without pressuring them. Keep the invite casual, and offer to meet somewhere public so they feel comfortable.
    • “You’re super cool. Want to grab a drink tonight?”
    • “I can tell you’re the one I’m looking for. When can I see you?”
    • “I think we should meet up. How about today at this cafe?”
  4. 4
    Chat in person before inviting them to a private location. In the future, meeting up first won’t be necessary once you’re familiar with each other. This first time, though, it helps build chemistry and trust, which is important! [8] Treat it like a super casual date . Tell them about yourself, ask them about themself. Make it clear what you’re looking for, and make it clear there’s no pressure. If they’re giving you the green light with smiles, eye contact, or physical touch, that’s when you suggest you go somewhere private.
    • “It’s been great seeing you. If it’s alright, I’d like to see more. Want to come back to my place?”
    • “You mentioned you have a sweet dog. Can I meet him?”
    • “I think I’m ready to get out of here. Want to come with?”
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Section 3 of 5:

Hooking Up with Someone New

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  1. 1
    Tell a friend where you are to stay safe. Hookups are fun, but they’re more fun when you’re safe. Before you head somewhere with a near-stranger, let a close friend know exactly where you’re going, and when they can expect to hear from you again. You can also share your location with them. That way, if they don’t hear from you, they can contact the authorities. [9]
    • This might make it sound scary, but it’s mostly just covering your bases.
  2. 2
    Start by getting physically close, like by sitting next to them. Dating and relationship coach Mark Rosenfeld says that intimacy starts with proximity, and if your partner comes close, that’s a good sign that they’re ready to go further. [10] Sit next to them on a couch, or stand near them. Lean in close, but don’t touch them yet. You’re just setting the scene and testing the waters.
    • Don’t jump right to taking your clothes off. Even if you’re on the same page about hooking up, starting sex is all about going slow and steady.
  3. 3
    Ask for their permission to touch them. Rosenfeld says that verbal confirmation for intimacy is important. [11] Even if your partner said they’re down to hook up, get their consent before you actually touch them. Not only is it required, it’s also a super sexy way to show you care about their comfort and safety, which is a green flag that can really drive them wild. You might say:
    • “Is it alright if I kiss you?” ( Moving in for a kiss is classic and sensual!)
    • “Can I give you a massage ? My bed is in the next room…”
    • “Can I take your clothes off? Or you can take off mine for me, if you want.”
  4. 4
    Take it slow, and make sure they’re comfortable. “I think probably the most important thing is not to put pressure on the situation,” Rosenfeld adds. [12] If they hesitate or seem unsure, slow down and do something else for a while, like chat over drinks or watch a movie. If they say “no” or that they’re not ready, that’s okay! Pivot to a more casual hangout and let the hookup angle go. Even if you don’t have sex, you can still forge a great connection.
    • If they are ready and willing, that’s your green light to move forward! Kiss them more passionately and steer them toward the bed.
    EXPERT TIP

    Mark Rosenfeld

    Dating & Relationship Coach
    Mark Rosenfeld is a Dating and Relationship Coach based in Norman Park, Australia. He founded his coaching business, Make Him Yours, in 2015. Mark specializes in helping women find, attract, and keep extraordinary relationships. He has been featured in Style Magazine, Thought Catalog, Elite Daily, News.com.au, and The Good Men Project. Mark’s dating videos have received over 60 million views, and his book “Make Him Yours – Beating the Odds of Modern Dating” was a best-seller on Amazon upon its release.
    Mark Rosenfeld
    Dating & Relationship Coach

    Sexual interest is communicated through body language. So, look out for someone leaning in, someone wanting to, as I say, turn towards you, touch you, and also look for more invitations if you're the woman or interest in being in more intimate locations if you're the man.

  5. 5
    Use protection and know your STD status. Safe sex is good sex! Communicate with your partner to make sure you’re both on the same page. Use a condom to prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. If they can conceive, ask them if they’re on any contraceptives. Also, it’s wise to know you and your partner’s STD status before you have fun, and to get tested at a clinic afterward, too, just to be safe. [13]
  6. 6
    Text them afterward and keep in contact. Dating coach and matchmaker Laura Bilotta says that if things went well, let them know! [14] Tell them you enjoyed your time with them as they leave (or as you leave their place). Make sure to get their phone number before you part, and then text them a few hours later, thanking them for a wonderful time. You might even make plans to see each other again, if you’re looking for a regular hookup partner.
    • “I had a really great time tonight, and I hope we can have fun again soon!”
    • “You’re really incredible. I’ll be thinking about that for a long time, and I hope I can see you again.”
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Section 4 of 5:

Is Tinder a good app to find hookups?

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  1. Tinder can be good for finding hookups if you make your intentions known. Bilotta tells us that Tinder is a great place for casual, quick dating. [15] That also makes it a good choice for people looking for hookups. Keep in mind, though, that many people on Tinder are looking for other things, like long-term relationships or even just friendships. That’s why it’s important to make your intentions known in your bio and messages, so that you can more easily find like-minded people.
Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Which Dating App Should I Use?

When it comes to dating apps, the problem is that most people are on the wrong platform. Looking for a thrilling fling? Then you probably shouldn’t be swiping through serious daters. Searching for your soulmate? That’s great—just be sure that your app is for hopeless romantics, not hookups. Take our quiz to find the perfect dating app for you!
1 of 18

Which answer best describes what you’re looking for right now?

Section 5 of 5:

Is there an app like Tinder but for sex?

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  1. Apps like Hinge or AdultFriendFinder are also good for hookups. Unfortunately, there’s not really a mainstream dating app that’s exclusively for sex, at least not yet, and not for a primarily heterosexual audience. Hinge or AdultFriendFinder are sometimes great alternatives, but like Tinder, they’re also for finding long-term relationships. Again, the key is communicating your intentions and finding like-minded people.
    • Feeld is an app for people who are more open-minded about relationships and gender, and may be a good place to find casual connections.
    • If you’re LGBTQ+, though, there are indeed a few apps primarily for hookups, like Grindr, Scruff, or Sniffies.
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      References

      1. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Imad Jbara. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ Lisa Shield. Dating Coach. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.help.tinder.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004487406-Tinder-subscriptions
      6. ↑ Kristina Mirgorodskaya. Dating Expert. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Jeremy Sharvit. Dating App Developer. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.rainbow-project.org/news/hooking-up-staying-safe/
      9. ↑ https://www.rainbow-project.org/news/hooking-up-staying-safe/
      1. ↑ Mark Rosenfeld. Dating & Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Mark Rosenfeld. Dating & Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ Mark Rosenfeld. Dating & Relationship Coach. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/safer-sex-guidelines
      5. ↑ Laura Bilotta. Dating Coach & Matchmaker. Expert Interview
      6. ↑ Laura Bilotta. Dating Coach & Matchmaker. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To hook up with someone on Tinder, start by downloading the Tinder app on your phone. Once it's installed, launch the app and log in with your Facebook account, then click "Discover New People" to begin searching through matches. If you see someone you like, swipe right and you may see that they liked you back already, making you a match. You can also swipe left to indicate that you're not interested, and the app will never show the person to you again. After some swiping, you may need to wait for other users to log on and like you back, or you could chat with your current matches by clicking on the text bubble icon in the upper right-hand corner. When you find someone that you like, set a date to meet in person. For more tips, like how to stand out from the crowd on Tinder, read on!

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